A CHILDREN'S centre in an Oxfordshire town has opened its new extension.

The Sunshine Centre in Banbury welcomed parents, staff and local dignitaries to celebrate the opening.

The extension, which was funded through Section 106 funding and by Cherwell District Council, will allow for the further provision of outreach and advice services for the centre in Banbury’s Bretch Hill area.

ALSO READ: £1.4m budget for community centre

The Sunshine Centre is home to a nursery and preschool for children aged 0-5 and runs a variety of classes ranging from stay and play to antenatal groups and offers support to victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable families.

Jill Edge, the centre manager, said. “We are so lucky to have such a fantastic facility here and the expansion will allow us to broaden both the scope and scale of our support to the community.

There are a number of services that we offer that people simply would not have access to if we were not here. To be given such a vote of confidence in our work just shows the importance of what we do.”

Last year the nursery was praised for creating high aspirations for children as it was graded “Outstanding” in all areas by Ofsted.

ALSO READ: Residents flock to new community centre at West Way development in Botley

In 2018 the centre was recognised as Best Group in Cherwell at the Oxfordshire Charity & Volunteer Awards.

North Oxfordshire MP Victoria Prentis, who attended the opening ceremony said: “I was lucky enough to see, first-hand, the brilliant new extension at our Sunshine Centre. Joining Jill's fantastic team highlighted just how a centre like this is invaluable to so many in our community.

"It was amazing to see how many families the Sunshine Centre continue to support, and likewise, how many families support the Sunshine Centre.

"The bright, airy new extension is a credit to all those involved and a fantastic place for young ones to learn and grow. This achievement is an example of over 20 years of hard work and an exemplary commitment to children in our community.

"We must continue to support community groups such as these as the Sunshine Centre embarks on its newest adventure.”