A NEW £500,000 training, support and social centre for parents will be officially launched in Southampton tomorrow.

The revolutionary new Sure Start centre in Weston, one of the first in Britain, aims to strengthen family life by providing vital support to parents close to their homes.

Sure Start, housed in a new building in Foxcott Close, will provide classes in parenting skills, decorating, first-aid and play-leading as well as host drop-in sessions for mums and toddlers groups.

It will be equipped with a toy library and visiting health workers will hold baby clinics and antenatal clinics at the centre.

Julie Greer, chairwoman of the centre's management board, said: "This is one of the first purpose-built Sure Start centres and what is happening in Weston is of national importance.

"There has been great excitement on the board since the initial bid was submitted and those involved know that this centre can make a real difference in the future."

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead will lead the launch ceremony along with a representative from the government Sure Start initiative and there will be a display put on by Weston children.

Local people will be able to tour the centre and watch a wide range of activities from 1pm. It will open on Monday January 8. A total of 500 similar centres will be launched across the country in coming years.