A NEW £1.6million children's centre is to provide support services to families is officially opened today.

The opening of the Little Harwood centre, in Robinson Street is being dedicated to Coun Frank Gorton, who died recently aged 81 who had represented the area for 46 years.

The centre will provide childcare, early years free entitlement for three and four year olds (nursery education), child and family health services, outreach and family support, and advice about children's services and adult training and learning opportunities.

The centre, which opened for business in January, brings the total number of new children's centre opened in Blackburn with Darwen Council's area to 12 over the past couple of years.

Coun Maureen Bateson, executive member for children's services, said: "This new and exciting provision will provide outstanding services to local children and their families in partnership with other agencies in the area.

"I am very proud that there will be a constant and fitting reminder of Councillor Gorton in the children's centre.

"He was the longest standing councillor in the borough and has served the community of Little Harwood for 46 years."