THE Duchess of Gloucester came to Runcorn to officially opened a new centre run by the charity Stick ’n’ Step.

The centre at Tudor Hall on York Street provides support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families.

Children are offered conductive education sessions free of charge, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live independent lives.

The charity opened its first centre in Wallasey in 2002.

The new Runcorn development has been made possible by the Steve Morgan Foundation, who bought the building and funded massive refurbishment costing £260,000.

Former offices have been transformed into large bright classroom space with specialist equipment for the children’s sessions, a state-of-the-art sensory room, fully accessible children’s toilets, a sage bathroom, a comfortable parents’ room, kitchen and office space for staff.

The Duchess was shown round the new facility on Thursday and introduced to children and their families who will be attending the centre regularly.

The mayor and mayoress of Halton Cllrs Alan and Joan Lowe, the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs were guests at the opening along with trustees of The Steve Morgan Foundation and Stick ‘n’ Step.

Stick ‘n’ Step chief executive Amy Couture said: “With one in every 400 children born with cerebral palsy, the demand for this kind of specialist support far outweighs delivery capacity.

“Some of our families were facing journeys of 50 miles each way to attend our centre in Wallasey which also has a long waiting list.

“Opening this new centre will allow us ultimately to double our capacity and provide support to many more children.

“We are very grateful to everyone who supports our fundraising efforts, especially the Steve Morgan Foundation which acquired and transformed this amazing facility.”

The charity’s support improves mobility, independence and boosts self-confidence, enabling every child to reach their personal potential.

Conductive education is about active learning. Sessions incorporate play and music into structured routines to develop functional skills.

For more details visit sticknstep.org or call the Runcorn centre on 01928 573777.