A new children's centre aiming to serve Watford's toddlers, parents and families was officially opened on Wednesday morning.

The new Sunshine Children's Centre, one of hundreds of Sure Start programmes currently being set up across the country, is situated Eastbury Road, Watford, and will be available to any families with babies and children up to the age of five.

From its "hub" at the Oxhey Early Years Centre, the new service will bring together early years education, childcare, as well as health and family support services throughout central Watford and Oxhey.

The centre will integrate nursery services across the area, as well as providing information and advice to families across the area on a whole range of issues.

The centre also includes a range of partners, from crèche providers, to nurseries and even primary schools.

Watford MP Claire Ward and Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill, as well as dozens of local children and families, were on hand to officially open the new centre on Wednesday.

Last year there were just eight Sure Start programmes across Hertfordshire.

However, this year 44 more will be launched, with the target of having 82 running by 2008.

Indeed, the Government aims to have a Sure Start programme available for every community and tailored to its individual needs by 2010.

After cutting the ribbon to officially open the new centre, Ms Ward said: "I am a huge supporter of Sure Start - they are one of the best things the Government has done.

For more information, telephone 01923 482842 or email manager.centralwatford@hertschildrenscentres.org.uk.