Families in Lancashire will soon benefit from the opening of a further nine children’s centres, bringing the total number of such facilities in the county to 61.

Each centre — attached to an existing school, library or leisure centre — will provide families in the area with access to early education and links to childcare, child and family health services, antenatal advice and support for pregnant women, drop-in sessions, help with job hunting and information on bringing up a family.

Activities directed at children include storytime sessions, toy libraries, play areas, music and art classes, and a place where mums, dads and grandparents can meet up to help create community support networks.

Cllr Jennifer Mein, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This is great news for families in these areas and I’m sure the centres will be very popular when they open. They bring together all the services for young families at the heart of local communities.

“I am very proud that Lancashire continues to lead the way in providing such services and support to our diverse communities, with one of the largest and most developed children’s centre networks in the country.”

The new centres will open in Lostock Hall, Longton, Barton, Fulwood, Weeton, Lytham and Whalley, as well as two in the Pendle area of East Lancashire.