A £2m community centre will be opened in County Durham today when North Durham MP Kevan Jones releases 500 balloons to mark the occasion.

It will be the headquarters of Sure Start Stanley and will offer facilities to parents and children in the area.

There is an IT training suite, a health room, a community caf, play areas, a creche and a baby feeding room.

Sure Start Stanley programme manager Malcolm Pitt said: "Since the launch of the programme in January 2001 we have made huge progress and have delivered a number of new services, including parent and toddler groups, dads and kids groups, trips away, a home safety loan scheme, baby massage and a healthy eating initiative.

"We hope that Kevan Jones and local people enjoy the fun packed open day we have planned to celebrate our success and take the opportunity to have a look round our new centre."

Parents with pre-school children are invited to the open day.

There will be entertainment and staff from the centre will be wearing fancy dress to the party.

Kevan Jones said: "The new Sure Start Stanley Centre represents a major step forward in providing services for pre-school children and their parents in the Stanley area.

"Sure Start Stanley already provide an excellent service but this much need facility will enable them to offer even more. I am delighted that the Government is able to support children and parents trough programmes such as this, as I think it is absolutely vital that we give our children the best start in life."

Mr Jones will open the centre, in Clifford Road, at 11am.