NEWHAM Mayor Sir Robin Wales has officially opened a new community centre in the borough.

Sir Robin was joined at The Sandringham Family Centre, which is adjacent to Sandringham Primary School, by Green Street Cllr Sharaf Mahmood. East Ham MP Stephen Timms, teachers, staff and parents also attended.

They were greeted by the school’s talented choir, whose members gave a spirited performance before introductions were made by the school’s head teacher, Robert Cleary.

The new centre was completed earlier this year with funding from the extended schools capital programme, which makes schools more accessible to the local community.

Sir Robin said: “I’m pleased that at a time when we are fighting cuts imposed upon us by the coalition Government we’re able to celebrate the opening of this fantastic centre. It will have a real impact upon people living nearby.

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure the Government’s actions don’t harm our youngsters’ future.”

Following a short ceremony, where the mayor cut a ribbon at the entrance to the centre and unveiled a commemorative plaque, Sir Robin handed out certificates to parents and residents who had already completed academic courses at the newly-built venue.

Subjects include learning English as a second language, maths, parenting and early years’ classes.

The centre’s family learning co-ordinator, Kalyani Das, said: “The new centre is excellent because parents and residents with young children can use the cr�che while attending classes. This makes it a lot easier to come along and meet new people.”

The school’s head teacher, Robert Cleary, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who was involved in this successful project. The centre will make the school more accessible for parents and local residents alike.”

One of the school’s parent governors, Fatima Mangerah, said: “The governors are delighted that the school finally has a dedicated space for families to use. Our vision is for Sandringham Family Centre to fulfil the community’s learning needs and enable parents to support and nurture their children. We hope it will have a positive impact on parent’s aspirations for their children and that it will be used by families and other community groups for many years to come.”

The Centre is available for hire by community groups, other organisations and individuals. For more details, call Laura Leask (020) 8472 3800 ext. 211 or email laura.leask@sandringham.newham.sch.uk