Published at 13:33, Thursday, 24 July 2008

RUGBY hero Jonny Wilkinson brought along his mum and dad to help him celebrate the role Hexham Children’s Centre is playing in the lives of local families.

Wear with pride: Jonny Wilkinson is presented with his own SureStart top by Hexham East First School head teacher Judith Meek, left, and Children’s Centre manager Lesley Grieve.

Due to the level of demand, the centre, located within the grounds of Hexham East First School, began operating in January – three months ahead of its official opening date.

By the time the April 1 date actually came around, it had already had almost 800 people through its doors, said manager Lesley Grieve.

On Wednesday over 200 adults and children turned out to celebrate its success.

“It was a fantastic evening – Jonny had time for everyone,” she said.

“He was signing small rugby balls, cards and T-shirts for the kids, and chatting to everyone.”

He also presented 10-year-old Tess Hartland, of Hexham, with her prize for designing the winning logo now used for the children’s centre.

As part of the Government’s programme de-signed to give every child a good start in life, the centre works with parents, child-minders and other professionals dealing with children up to the age of four.

A group of proud young mums and single parents who provided Wednesday night’s buffet are one of the centre’s success stories.

Having just completed a six-week, back-to-basics cookery course led by Cambo Women’s Institute members Jill Rodgers and Allison Douglass, the group turned out a home-cooked feast fit for a king.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk