All the events have taken place at the town's new children's centre, based in the Graham Adams Community Centre on St James' Road.

Centre manager Carol Pratt said: "We've had a great summer so far and there are still more events to come.

"We have tried to organise things that both young children and their older siblings can attend.

"We have also kept the normal groups going and they've been really successful, with more parents and children coming along each week. We now have more than 250 children on the register, but would still like more to join in."

On Thursday, children took part in an Olympics-style event, with sports coaching available for older children and an obstacle course for toddlers.

Another popular event was the Wriggly Roadshow, when a variety of creatures, including snakes, were taken to the centre for children to learn about.

On September 11, centre workers will hold a roadshow at Stockton Primary School for parents to find out about their outreach activities.

An event will follow in the school for parents to make props they can use when reading to their children.

The centre was set up with government funding and was officially launched in May.

Mrs Pratt added: "Every child matters and the children's centre is here to ensure that in Southam and the surrounding villages every child under five and their family or carer has the opportunity to be healthy, stay safe and enjoy and achieve."

'Stay and Play' drop-in sessions for parents, carers and children run on Wednesday mornings.

A mother and baby group is held on Monday lunchtimes and a toddler group on Wednesday afternoons.

The centre also runs a breastfeeding support group, parentcraft classes and a cafe. For more information call 814953.


CHILDREN'S CENTRE SESSIONS

Monday:Baby Time,1.30pm to 3.15pm, for babies from birth to 18 months.

Wednesday: Stay and Play, 9.30am to 11.30am. Toddler group 1.15pm to 2.45pm. Parentcraft for expectant parents from 7pm to 9pm. Ring for more details.

Thursday: Adult literacy 10am to noon.

Friday: Breastfeeding cafe 10.30am to 12.30pm. Messy Play starts Friday, September 12, from 10am to 11.30am.