The Horsforth Children's Centre, the first of its kind in the area, was welcomed with a fun-packed day including balloon races, a barbecue, baby activities including ballet and yoga, face painting and much more.

More than 150 families turned up to enjoy the day.

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Organiser Helen Higgins told Horsforth Today: "It was incredibly successful and balloons covered the sky.

"We are very excited about the centre, which has been designed with the needs of local children in mind.

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"We already have 80 children attending sessions and look forward to welcoming many more in the coming weeks."

The centre is part of the national Surestart scheme providing family support for children from 0-five and their parents.

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It provides health and family support services for all children under five in the Horsforth area in newly refurbished premises.

There is also a baby breastfeeding café, ante-natal and post natal support, adult education classes, links with Job Centre Plus and Children's Information Services during term time and in the school holidays.

Richard Harker, executive member responsible for Early Years, said: "We are delighted that this is one of the final children's centres to open as part of a very successful project which has already seen 49 centres open across the city.

"They are a real hub of local communities and provide the very best start in life for children, while ensuring the needs of the whole family are also addressed.

"A great deal of support and training opportunities are provided right on the local doorstep."