WORK has begun on a new children's centre designed to benefit families across Burtonwood.

A former classroom at Burtonwood Primary School is being transformed into a multi-purpose site offering a range of health and community services.

Anne Hudson, head teacher at the school, said: "The Government has plans for all children to have access to a children's centre in these phased developments over the next few years.

"It is for the whole of Burtonwood and we are working with health visitors, antenatal nurses, community workers, police and park rangers so that we can make sure it is what the community wants.

"I am very pleased with it and really excited at the prospect - I think it will be a great resource for the community."

The remodelled building will continue to provide before and after school clubs and can also be used by community groups in out-of-school hours.

There will be meeting rooms, an outdoor play area, new toilets, a kitchen and even a pram park' at the new entrance.

John Joyce, Burtonwood councillor, said: "It will be an area where young mothers and families can come together and create a small community with health visitors and baby clinics giving them advice and services that otherwise they would have to go out of the village to receive."

Funded by the Government, the Green Lane centre will be the fourth of its kind in Warrington.

Work is expected to be complete and the centre handed over to villagers in May.