CHILDREN's Minister Margaret Hodge officially opened a new £430,000 Sure Start centre yesterday.

People had feared that the building, in South Avenue, Dormanstown, which had been an NHS clinic until 2001, would become derelict and a target for vandals.

But now the centre is home to a 40-place day Neighbourhood Nursery, run by Buffer Bear, a meeting and training room, consulting rooms and a Sure Start children's room.

Sure Start programme manager Fran White, who was the former community nursing services manager at the clinic, had feared the community's focal point would be demolished.

But now, with 15 full-time staff, she is thrilled.

She said: "When I left the clinic in 2001, everyone was devastated, losing such an important facility. But now Sure Start has revitalised the area and it is so needed."

Parents have played their part in choosing the facilities and one dad, Gary Bee, a member of the centre's Parents Network, joined Ms White in guiding the minister round the centre.

Mr Bee's four-year-old daughter Saffron presented the minister with flowers after she cut a ceremonial ribbon, allowing eager local youngsters to enjoy the centre's four linked garden areas.

The minister said: "Every child deserves the best start in life and the opportunity to achieve their potential.

"Dormanstown's new Sure Start centre will provide local families with access to joined-up early years services to support young children's development and help parents balance their work and family life.

"I'm delighted to open this new building which will benefit children and families both now and for years to come."

Mr Bee said: "It's brilliant that the minister came here. She can see for herself the benefits to the community and to parents who use the centre."