THE opening of the new Serendipity Sam's play and party centre at Whitchurch has had to be postponed and a planned visit by the teeny-bopping, chart-topping, Fast Food Rockers cancelled.

The planned opening today has been rescheduled because more building and restoration work than initially expected is needed to make the site ready for top-quality children's play.

The delay is particularly disappointing for the owners because just this week they had confirmed that the Fast Food Rockers, who entered the charts this week at number 10 with their second single, Smile Please, Say Cheese, would be at the grand opening.

"We wanted to make the opening extra special and had hoped for some time that the Fast Food Rockers were coming but we only got confirmation a few days ago.

"Then we were knocked sideways by discovering the extra work," said Serendipity Sam's owner, Paul Taylor. "We're very disappointed but focused on making the place better.

"We are certain it will be worth the wait and we will try to get the Fast Food Rockers back another day," he said. Paul Taylor hopes this Serendipity Sam's - the third - could be open only a week later than expected, in time for half-term.

He asks interested customers to keep an eye on the centre's website at /www.serendipitysams. co.uk

All children who entered the VIP opening competition will receive free play vouchers and the winner will get a party - as soon as the centre opens for business.