A NEW children's centre based at a school in the Selby district has been officially unveiled by a Government Minister.

Beverley Hughes, Minister For Children, Young People And Families, opened the new centre at Selby Community Primary School, in Flaxley Road.

The Selby Children Centre, funded by North Yorkshire County Council, will bring a wide range of services for youngsters and their parents under one roof.

Speaking to pupils and staff at the school yesterday, Ms Hughes said: "This is a big step forward and it is great to see the work being done here."

The scheme is the first of a county-wide drive that will see 28 centres built to offer education, health and social care for children up to the age of five.

Selby SureStart and the NSPCC will have a base at the school, which will also provide information on child services, childcare plus training and jobs help for parents.

Ms Hughes said the Government drive to set up about 3,500 centres around the country was making a real difference.

She said: "The work that has been going on here is about making sure that in a rural area like North Yorkshire the residents do not miss out.

"These centres are making a real difference to children and their parents. We are making sure that even before children start school they are getting help to realise their potential and help to progress."

The centre - which is based in buildings throughout the school - will be open from 8am to 6pm, 50 weeks of the year, and will be run by a specialist manager.

Selby MP John Grogan said: "When I got re-elected I said that my ambition was to give a child living on Flaxley Road or Abbots Road the same chance as a child living on Leeds Road. This centre and one opening up in the south of Selby will, I hope, go some way to achieving that.

"You just have to walk around or talk to someone to see they are so proud of the centre here. It is the best thing to have happened to the Flaxley Road area for decades."

Head teacher Mark Poole said: "I think it's brilliant. As a school we want to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

"Often in the past we have come up against barriers because it takes you beyond education if you are going to provide the very best.

"It is great. I am really excited about it. It just has tremendous potential. Everyone is really forward-thinking there is a real team spirit and enthusiasm to make this work."

Updated: 09:39 Tuesday, May 23, 2006