A FLAGSHIP early years learning centre for children in Hampshire is up for an award after education chiefs in the UK decided its design was one of the best around.

The £2.3m Lanterns Children's Centre in Winchester, which opened last year, looks after 30 mainstream and 25 special needs youngsters aged between one and five.

It was built with a grant from the government and designed by Hampshire County Council's own architects and, as well as four main playrooms, features wet play areas, therapy rooms, a soft playroom, a multi-sensory room and garden and a toy library.

Now bosses from the prestigious Society of Chief Architects of Local Authorities have shortlisted the building out of 127 applications for the Civic Building of the Year Award.

A decision on the winner will be made later in the year, but if successful it will repeat Hampshire County Council's success of 2003, when the Visitor and Education Pavilion at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey also scooped the top prize.

Council leader Councillor Ken Thornber said: "I am delighted that the excellent design of this innovative and important project has been recognised.

"It was designed completely with young people in mind and provides wonderful facilities to help all children reach their full potential and will benefit many generations to come.

"Our architects have once again produced a fine building of which Hampshire can be proud."