A PIVOTAL community centre has opened to provide a wealth of services for children from birth to school.

The Highflyers Children's Centre, a Government Sure Start scheme, was opened by Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, paralympic champion, on Wednesday.

The centre provides a 70-place nursery, a 52-place after-school centre, a 30-place creche and a support nursery for youngsters with more complex needs.

Centre manager Laura Provett said the Thornaby site, which has a team of at least 60 workers, will benefit families expecting a child and also children up to the age of 11.

Four children who are already using the centre facilities helped Dame Tanni pull the ribbon to open the centre.

Jack Westerburg, Anna O'Donnell, Bilqees Hussain and Indiana Longstaff unveiled a permanent plaque before showing their star visitor around the Tedder Avenue site.

Mrs Provett said: "This is a huge centre, and one that will prove vital for a number of families.

"We provide services and advice for pregnant mothers, an early days nursery, a sensory room and garden for children with extra needs and even after-school classes.

"We are here to support families and we can even do home visits to help with youngsters under the age of five."

During the open day, families took part in craft workshops and baby massage demonstrations and were entertained with a puppet show and tile making.

For details of services at the centre, call the administration team on (01642) 527802.