THE doors have officially opened at two new children's centres in Weymouth and Portland.

The new centres will act as a one stop shop for information and advice for parents with children under five.

South Dorset MP Jim Knight was on hand to give the official stamp to Outlooks on Castle Road, Portland.

He also gave his seal of approval to another new centre at the Mulberry in Commercial Road, Weymouth.

Both centres will be managed by Dorset County Council's Sure Start unit in partnership with the children's charity NCH.

Cabinet member for children's services Toni Coombs said: "Being a parent is one of the most challenging, rewarding and important roles anyone can have and all parents and children should be supported from the earliest years.

"The aim is that centres become the first local port of call for families needing help, advice and support during the crucial early years."

The idea is that the centres will provide more than just advice and will offer practical help to make parenting easier.

Each has a crèche and will provide a variety of courses including parenting classes, baby massage, literary classes and job centre plus drop-in sessions.

Francisca Veale, who is manager of the NCH centres, said: "We hope that the official opening of our children's centres will encourage lots of local families to come and visit us.

"There's no need to make an appointment, they can just turn up and get the support they need.

"We're here to respond to the local needs of the community."

The centres have been open for a few weeks, but the visit by Jim Knight marked their official opening as children's centres.