A new £450k integrated Flying Start children's centre in Aberporth was officially opened by communities minister Lesley Griffiths on Thursday.

Canolfan Tegryn, on the site of the old Urdd Caban, is a modern purpose-build centre which will provide a home for the village ysgol feithrin, Flying Start health visitor clinic, speech and language support plus multi agency meetings.

Lesley Griffiths - who has only been in the post for two months - said the Welsh Assembly Government wanted to double the number of children who benefit from Flying Start from 18,000 to 36,000 during the lifetime of the government.

She said that Flying Start was increasing its outreach in Ceredigion.

"I'm delighted to see an expansion of Flying Start in Ceredigion from 414 to 541 within one year," she said.

“It is clear to me the programme has been life-changing for some families in Ceredigion. It is supporting children to learn and progress, including early language development in English and Welsh.

“Language development is a key element of Flying Start. We are working with Local Authorities to make sure the linguistic needs of children are met, whether through English or Welsh. The scheme is a fantastic way of demonstrating the benefits of being bilingual with children and families across Wales.

“The Flying Start programme is an exciting opportunity for us to help change people’s lives for the better. I’m committed to continuing to support families so our children really do have a Flying Start.”

The centre was named after the Rev Tegryn Davies who established the Aelwyd - a branch of the Urdd - on the site.

Ceredigion leader Cllr Ellen ap Gwynn told members of the community who were at the opening that the centre would be an asset for the village.

"It's somewhere we can bring everyone who serves the family under one roof," she said.

"Aberporth is obviously a close community and you have all worked together."