KIDDERMINSTER parents have been invited to take advantage of a host of free services at a newly opened £1.2 million children's centre.

Dr Richard Taylor, Wyre Forest's MP, cut the ribbon to officially open the SureStart building on the Birchen Coppice School site.

The new site, which took three years to become a reality, was made possible thanks to financial support from the Government, Worcestershire County Council and the Big Lottery Fund.

Parents living in the Oldington and Foley Park, Sutton Park and Habberley areas expecting their first baby or with children under the age of five can sign up to attend. Among the services on offer to families are access to health visitors, educational activities and groups for both youngsters and parents.

Philip Hoare, centre manager, said: "The strapline that goes with SureStart is about giving children the best possible start in life and that is our aim here.

"It covers all aspects of children's development, including health, early learning and offering support and guidance to parents."

For more information about the services, call the Woodbury Road centre on 01562 514980 or visit the website at

www.wyreforest.surestart.org