FAMILIES in the Golden Valley will be able to enjoy a range of children’s activities in their local church following the completion of a unique building project.

A total of £315,000 was poured into renovating and adapting St Peter’s Church in Peterchurch by Herefordshire Council to give the Golden Valley Children’s Centre a home.

Families will be able to enjoy a number of activities, including regular visits by a health team, sign and rhyme events and free family music-making sessions.

Parents can also learn first aid, understand how babies communicate with their carers before they begin to talk and take part in basic childcare courses.

“This is a fantastic facility in the heart of the Golden Valley, providing much-needed support to many of our rural families,” said Councillor Jenny Hyde, cabinet member for children’s services.

“As Herefordshire is so rural in nature, we have had to think creatively about how we deliver services for young families.

“We don’t have enough money to build centres everywhere and this unique partnership with the church shows what can be done when organisations come together.”

The building has also been adapted to bring 12th and 21st century architecture together.

The church now has a public library, which is stocked and managed by the council and run by volunteers, and a wooden pod has been installed at the end of the nave which opens up to become a modern kitchen.

A new heated floor, disabled toilet and storage space for toys and games have also been added. The children’s centre services are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am until 4pm.