A NEW support group for parents of children with special needs has been set up in Blackburn.

'What Children Need' runs at Roman Road Community Centre and was set up by parents with the help of the Barnados charity.

Project worker Jonathan Burridge, said: "The group was set up following discussions with parents who live on the Roman Road estate. A number of them expressed a concern that there wasn't a club that would openly welcome children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder and other related conditions in the area.

"They also mentioned that as parents there wasn't really anywhere they could go to get support and talk about problems they were facing without being judged."

The group is open to all parents and children in Blackburn and Darwen, and people can come and talk with others who maybe in the same situation as themselves.

It will also welcome talks from health and education professionals and trips are being planned.

For the children, there are a range of activities ranging from arts and crafts to sports.

The group meets fortnightly at Roman Road Community Centre on Newfield Drive and the first meeting is on Saturday from 10am to noon. From more information call 01254 263642.