FAMILIES took part in a day of Easter activities to celebrate the launch of a children’s centre.

Discovery Children’s Centre, at the King George V Pavilion, in Clairmont Road, Lexden, opened its doors yesterday.

It caters for parents with babies and toddlers in Lexden, Prettygate and Christchurch.

The complex features a health clinic, JobCentre Plus, play sessions and speech and language classes.

The service, run by childcare centre provider 4Children and funded by Essex County Council, had operated from Kingsland Church, London Road, for the past year until the pavillion was ready.

The pavilion had been earmarked for closure by Colchester Council as part of £100,000 budget cuts planned for 2009.

But agreement between the two councils was reached to save the building and adapt it as a children’s centre.

Charles Ellis, 4Children’s deputy chief executive, said: “In the climate of concern about cuts and closures, we are delighted the county council has shown practical support for families remains its top priority.

“We have a strong track record of delivering high-quality services that respond to the needs of the local community.

“I’m delighted families will have more access to our services through this fantastic centre.”

Harriet Hill, the county council’s head of early years and childcare, said: “This is more good news for families with young children in Colchester.

“We have made a firm commitment to investing in early intervention services.

“Since the beginning, all our children’s centres have been developed in partnership with organisations like 4Children.”