The £750,000 Crookhorn Lane Children's Centre, in Purbrook, has been built as part of the second wave of the government-funded Sure Start centres.

Aimed at helping the most deprived families, the centres provide free and cheap services – often for less than £1 – such as nurseries, toddler groups and access to education courses, health professionals and even a Job Centre.

And they're all located within easy walking distance of estates.

Built within the grounds of Morelands Primary School in Crookhorn Lane, Purbrook, it's only been open six weeks.

But manager Mary Lilley said it's proving very popular.

She said: 'It's being well used already and we've had a lot of parents saying it was needed. Before us there wasn't a full-time nursery in the area apart from the nursery at South Downs College.

'Although you've got to pay for the 36-place nursery there's nothing else here that costs more than £1.'

There were six Sure Start centres built in Portsmouth and seven in Hampshire during the first phase between 2004 and 2006.

The second wave has now been complete with an explosion of centres locally including seven more in Portsmouth and 53 in Hampshire which will provide for nearly 50,000 under fives in city and county.

Mrs Lilley said the government's investment in a new building has helped attract families.

She said: 'This is a lovely building. It's quite visible from the road and it's a bright and colourful building. The building helps create a nice, friendly atmosphere and that does make a difference.

'I am very proud of the achievements and help we have already given to so many families.'

>>> Entertainment, activities and farm animals from Millers Ark will herald the official opening of Crookhorn Lane Children's Centre from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, September 13. For more infomration call the centre on on (023) 9226 4701.