A COOKERY demonstration, messy play and a children's entertainer were part of the fun when a new facility for village youngsters was officially opened.

Sacriston Children's Centre is the latest in a series of Sure Start schemes that have been launched by Durham County Council.

The centre provides services for families with children under five and is based on the Fyndoune Community College campus.

The opened ceremony was performed by Claire Vasey, the county council cabinet member for children and young people's services. The Labour MP for North Durham, Kevan Jones, was among the guests.

Councillor Vasey said: "Our Sure Start centres are helping to give children under five across County Durham the best possible start in life by ensuring families have easy access to the services they need in their community.

"Sacriston Sure Start Children's Centre is already very popular with local families and, like our other centres, can only go from strength to strength.

"I am delighted to be officially opening the centre, which I'm sure will be a valued community facility for a long time to come."

Linda Vasey, cluster manager of the Durham area children's centres, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to encourage local families with children under five who have not yet accessed the centre, to come along to and sample the activities that will be on offer."