PLANS for a £670,000 children's centre off Croft Way, in Wiveliscombe, have been given the go-ahead by Somerset County Council.

The facility will offer day care and early education for under-fives, including children with special needs.

It will also provide support such as health advice and Jobcentre Plus for parents and families.

Cllr Pauline Clarke, the county's portfolio holder for Children's Services, said: "It will help support parents and provide them with affordable and quality childcare.

"The county council wants to ensure that all children in Somerset get the best possible start in life."

A steering group which helped secure funding for the centre used feedback from local people when drawing up the plans.

Group chairman Sarah Lawrence said: "We want to ensure the facility meets all the requirements of parents with young children."

Building work is due to start in the autumn and the centre is likely to open next April.