CELEBRITY agony aunt Denise Robertson spent the afternoon with a mothers’ group, chatting with staff, offering advice and creating healthy snacks with the children.

She called into Hemlington Sure Start Children’s Centre, in Middlesbrough, to highlight the support available for families with children under five.

Robertson, who is a regular on ITV1’s longrunning daytime show This Morning, took a tour of the centre, seeing at first-hand the range of services available for families, including baby massage sessions, baby and child health clinics, physiotherapy drop-in slots and mini-musicians sessions.

She said: “It is fantastic to see a Sure Start Children’s Centre in action. I’ve had a wonderful time speaking with the passionate staff here and meeting the parents and children who are benefiting every day from the help on offer.

“It’s a heart-warming moment to see the difference being made to families’ lives on a daily basis.”

Sarah Thompson, senior project worker at the centre, said: “The mums’ group meets regularly to discuss the issues that affect them, and we try to meet their needs, whether it’s parenting advice, health support or a more specific concern, such as stopping smoking.

“The mums are fantastic and really enjoyed Denise’s visit, taking the opportunity to ask her all their burning questions. It’s been a real treat for us and them, and gives us lots to speak about at our next meeting.”