A CENTRE that aims to give youngsters in former pit villages the best possible start in life has been opened by one of the mothers who uses it.

Karen Gates, a parent representative on Brandon and Deerness Valley Sure Start, cut the ceremonial ribbon as the Brandon Children's Centre opened its doors yesterday.

The building, in Carr Avenue, Brandon, cost £550,000,and will serve the under-fives in six communities, providing full day care as well as education and health care and accredited training programmes.

It also offers speech and language therapy, ante-natal care, breast feeding supporting, a library and family support services.

The Government-funded scheme has had a centre in Ushaw Moor since last August.

Ms Gates described facilities in the centre as "second to none" and said she was honoured to have opened it.