Actress Jane Asher has visited the Corsham Sure Start Children’s Centre, to learn about how it helps families.

Ms Asher, 66, who starred alongside Sir Michael Caine in Alfie, toured the Barnardo’s site, meeting families and finding out about training programmes it offers to parents.

At the Kings Avenue centre, which supports children up to the age of five, Ms Asher cut a cake celebrating the registration of more than 1,000 parents and carers at the Corsham centre, which opened in 2008.

Barnardo’s supporter Ms Asher said: “It has been a wonderful day and it is interesting to see just how impressive this facility is and to learn more about the help it provides.

“Barnardo’s offer a great range of support for children and, importantly, for their parents. I was really pleased to pay a visit to Corsham Sure Start and also have some of the lovely cake.”

Ms Asher, who has her own cake shop, Jane Asher Party Cakes and Sugarcraft in London, praised the hard work of the centre’s staff.

Barnardo’s team leader Sarah Nelson said: “We are delighted that Jane was able to visit our project and learn more about how we are helping so many families to turn their lives around.

“Our staff and volunteers have a great relationship with the local community, establishing a level of trust and understanding which encourages parents and carers to seek help, if needed.

“So, although we’re mainly targeting some of the more vulnerable and disadvantaged residents, nobody feels stigmatised when they walk through our doors.

“We are immensely proud of everything that has been achieved, not only by our own team but also by the parents themselves.”

For information, call Corsham Sure Start Children’s Centre on 01249 716254.