A NEW £1.2m children’s centre at the heart of a community has been officially opened.

Children helped to celebrate the official unveiling of the new Almondbury Children’s Centre at a fun-filled event at the weekend.

The costly centre, off Fairfield Road, includes a large community room, crèche and a variety of multi-purpose meeting rooms.

It also has 30 car parking spaces for anyone visiting the centre or village to use.

Clr Cath Harris, Kirklees cabinet member for children and families, said the centre would mean a lot to the residents of Almondbury.

She said: “This is a fabulous community resource for Almondbury.

“It will make it easier for families to access the excellent services Sure Start children’s centres provide in the critical early years of children’s lives.”

The centre was opened by Almondbury ward councillor Linda Wilkinson with deputy mayor Clr Andrew Palfreeman also in attendance.

Families planted a daffodil in the new garden as a reminder of the opening and to add a splash of colour to the surroundings in spring.

Services provided by the centre will include play sessions, child and family health services and support for parents.

Manager Brenda Liversedge said: “The new building will allow us to expand our services and become a one-stop shop within the community, offering a wide range of services.