With 459 children aged under five out of a possible 600 already registered, the Holswor­thy Children's Centre, which opened last January, recently hosted a Families Support Day.

Liz Rowe, the service coordinator, said the purpose of the day was to provide information and help for parents and carers to prepare them for a return to work and training when they felt ready.

While the children played happily, planted bulbs or had their faces painted, parents could seek help from a number of agencies.

Childcare providers such as the Holsworthy and St Giles-on-the-Heath Pre-School Playgroups, Thorne Manor Day Nursery and AJ's Childcare of Shebbear were there to promote their services.

Representatives of Job Centre Plus, North Devon College, Stepping Stones, Devon County Council and the Shaw Trust were there to give advice on training for qualifications and employment opportunities.

The CAB was there too to advise on benefits and the effect a return to work might have on them. The Fire and Rescue Service was there too offering home safety and smoke alarm checks.

The grand opening of the centre will take place at 10.30am on Friday, April 24.