A PIONEERING child contact centre which aims to support children from broken homes has been welcomed by Darwen parents.

The centre, the first of its kind in the borough, will offer supported contact to children who can meet with their non-resident parent in a neutral environment.

Put together by Darwen Sure Start and the Blackburn Diocesan Board for Social Responsibility, it will offer a meeting point where children of divorced or separated parents can meet by arrangement. Service manager, Debbie Charlsworth, said: "People from all walks of life can sometimes find themselves in need of a Child Contact Centre. When families separate it is often difficult for children to maintain contact with both parents."

Liz Fraser, co-ordinator of the Darwen Sure Start scheme, said: "Sure Start offers a range of family support services and this project is part of that brief."

Lois Holden, from Sure Start, said: "The service will be run by experienced, trained and friendly volunteers. There is a spacious indoor play area with a selection of books, activities and games and a safe, friendly environment.

"There are also separate entrances for parents, should they wish to avoid meeting their former partner."

Zoe Parker, 30, mother-of-four from Preston Street, said: "I think it's a really good thing. It's a chance for the kids to have a good time and it offers the opportunity for parents to meet people in a similar situation."

Teresa Arbuckle, 53, mother-of-one, of St James' estate, said: "It's fantastic because there are a lot of relationships that can be very argumentative and the kids see it and that can't be good for them. Couples can go through the courts and all sorts of things so a centre like this will be very beneficial for parents and children."

The launch, at the Sure Start Children's Centre on Lord Street, was attended by Darwen councillors and representatives of the family court system who were invited to find out more about the service.

Councillor Sue Reid, executive member for social services, said: "This centre will be an asset to town.

"There are very few in the North West and they will provide a much-needed and very valuable service to the community."

The service will operate on Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm and opening hours will be extended in April from 10am to 3pm.

Contact Debbie Charlsworth on 01254 675872 for the centre's opening times.