PLANS for ten new children's centres in Watford, Hertsmere and Three Rivers have been unveiled to offer support and information for children and parents across local communities.

Six centres have already been established across Hertfordshire and government targets mean the county will have 50 by April 2008 and an additional 32 by April 2010.

The centres operate within the framework of the Children's Trust Partnership and will include antenatal advice, support for childminders and child health information. There will also be guidance for mothers about breastfeeding, hygiene, nutrition and safety and integrated early learning and childcare for babies and children.

Westfield Children's Centre in Tolpits Lane opened last January and is currently Watford's only children's centre.

Karen Rudford, children's centre co-ordinator, said: "We've been open a year now and it's going really well. We have a range of groups for toddlers, a toy library where parents can hire out toys, anti-natal classes and baby massage and yoga."

Each children's centre in Hertfordshire is positioned to reach 800 families, but Westfield is used by many more families who cannot attend the nearest other centre in St Albans.

Karen added: "It has been very successful. There has been a lot of interest from the new centres, who have visited to see how we are running."

Jane Pitman, lead member for Children's Services, said: "Children's centres are a hugely valuable resource, offering support and opportunities for children, parents and the local community. They are places where people feel comfortable and provide a one-stop-shop for any help families feel they need."

The five new children's centres in Watford will be based at Leavesden Green JMI & Nursery School, Berrygrove Primary & Nursery School, Watford & District YMCA, Watford & District YMCA and Oxhey Early Years Centre.

There will also be two centres based in Three Rivers, at Shepherd Primary School in Rickmansworth and Oxhey Wood Primary School in South Oxhey, and three centres in Hertsmere to be operated by Hertsmere Leisure.