A WOODWIND band helped to launch a children's centre yesterday.

An afternoon of celebrations marked the opening of the £1.3m Saltburn Children's Centre, which is already proving a hit with local families.

Events included music from neighbouring Huntcliff School woodwind band and the Saltburn Primary School choir, plus a Christmas party with Santa in his grotto, a disco, magician and storyteller.

The centre, built on the Huntcliff site, began welcoming families in June, and hosts daycare, health clinics, family fun sessions, training courses and counselling services in a one-stop shop for family services.

It offers a 45-place daycare setting, training room and adjacent children's room, as well as three health clinics, two small meeting rooms and office accommodation for up to 15 people.

The nursery, run by Rosedene Nurseries, includes nursery nurses, health visitors, school nurses, a children's physiotherapist, a podiatrist, Sure Start community workers and administration staff.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's lead member for children's services, Councillor Valerie Halton, who has played a key role in the development of the centre, said: "The new Sure Start, with its wonderful facilities, brings together many services for children and families, and demonstrates our commitment to open access for all families at our children's centres."

Centre manager Linda Bulmer said: "The number of families registered with us from Saltburn alone is 154. We have nearly 600 altogether, including families from Guisborough, Skelton, Lingdale and Boosbeck.

"We wanted to make this official launch something really special. We knew a Christmas party theme would be just what our children and families wanted and, after all, that is what Sure Start is all about.