Children's centre marks first year with carnival day

Skipton children's centre has been in operation for a year from a multi-million pound "hub" in Brougham Street and three satellite sites at Ings Primary School in Broughton Road; Otley Street and Greatwood.

The centre has been running toddler groups and health care services including a baby clinic with community midwives and health visitors.

Other activities have included music and movement classes for pre-school children, cookery classes for families, grandparent groups, basic skills training for carers and parents and baby massage.

Cynthia Welbourn, North Yorkshire County Council's director of children and young people's services, and other senior officers will launch the event on Saturday, which will include circus skills and musical instrument-making.

County Councillor Jim Clark, North Yorkshire's executive member for schools and early years, said: "Children's centres are a wonderful resource to support families and we are very proud of this flagship centre in Skipton.

"It is important, particularly in our market towns' rural areas, that children do not miss out and that they have the opportunity for the best start in life. Children are the bedrock of our communities, and good schools and good early years' facilities are crucial to the sustainability of communities."

The centre hopes to develop an allotment garden where the youngsters can grow vegetables and a programme of musical activities in the autumn in response to the children's wishes.

Heidi Farrar, Skipton children's centre manager, said the open day offered families and residents a "great opportunity" to see what it has to offer.

The carnival will be open to the public from 10am to 1.30pm.