Ref: PR2032
Date: 03/12/08

A television star will officially open a new children's centre in the district this month.

Matt Healy, better known as Matthew King from Emmerdale, will be performing the opening ceremony for the new Sharlston Children's Centre, on Hammer Lane, Sharlston Common.

The new centre is located within the site of Sharlston Community School and will provide care and development for children under five where their families can receive integrated services, information and access help from different teams of professionals.

Cllr Pat Garbutt, Wakefield Council's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "It's always good to see new children's centres opening right across Wakefield district. But when we can make it extra special by having a TV celebrity, it's even better.

"It's great to see people like Matt taking an active role in supporting education and services for young people and this centre will make a real difference to young families in Sharlston."

Wakefield Council commissioned NPS North East Ltd to carry out a feasibility study for the building in late 2006 and the centre was completed this summer.

The opening ceremony is taking place at 1.30pm on Monday, December 8, and media are invited to attend.

Ends.