BEXLEY’S newest children centre is opening its doors to Sidcup youngsters.

And to celebrate, the centre, set in the grounds of the Adult Education College in Alma Road, Sidcup is holding a special opening event on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Children will be able to meet television character Fifi the Flowertot, and visitors will also be able to take part in arts and crafts activities, balloon modelling, find out more about the centre's activity programme and speak to the family information service about what is on offer in the borough.

The centre will bring together services for children from birth to the age of five and planned activities for parents, carers and under-fives at the centre include sensory play, baby massage and family education programmes. It will also provide a range of information and advice for parents on childcare and health, training and family support and fun activities, creating a one-stop shop for parents and carers and support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

And it will include an Ofsted registered 24-place full daycare nursery catering for babies to the under-fives, run by the New Foundations Day Nursery Council cabinet member for children’s services, Councillor June Slaughter said: "The Sidcup centre joins the other successful centres already thriving across the borough.

“This is a fine example of partnership work between local groups and services that are working to one end - the well-being and progression of our children.”

For information about the Sidcup centre, full day care provision at the nursery and the childcare subsidies that may be available, call 020 8302 2677.