MORE than half-a-million pounds has been spent on improving Gibshill Children's Centre.

It will be re-opened officially on 24 July by Scottish Executive deputy justice minister, Hugh Henry MSP.

And parents say it will make a huge difference to them and their children.

The centre was opened 25 years ago in a row of derelict shops. Part of the building remained disused, but now it has all been given a major facelift.

Most of the money has gone on creating a parents' support and education unit.

The area's councillor, Stephen McCabe, said today: "This development is so important that it could be the catalyst for finishing the regeneration of Gibshill by encouraging more private housing investment and helping to bring together all of the residents as one community." The centre now boasts better play facilities for its 60 pre-school children, including an educational garden.

A wide range of support for parents covers parenting skills, health issues, education, personal development and other services such as benefits advice, help with form filling, low cost fruit and vegetables and training and employment advice.

Head of centre, Charlotte Brown, and a voluntary management committee, have spearheaded the successful drive to get £300,000 from the Executive (distributed through Inverclyde area forums) and £191,000 from Inverclyde Council.

They also secured a further £166,000 from the lottery to pay for three posts - a co-ordinator, clerical support and caretaker - for three years.

Charlotte said: "The management committee has been one of the community partners in the Gibshill Regeneration Steering Group. The centre will act as an important resource for parents." And Agnes White, secretary of the management committee, said: "This will make a huge difference to us."