Actress Jane Asher paid a visit on Tuesday to Corsham Sure Start Children’s Centre to learn more about the way it benefits families in the town.

Ms Asher, 66, who starred alongside Sir Michael Caine in Alfie, toured the Barnardo’s site meeting families and finding out more about the training programmes it offers parents.

At the Kings Avenue centre, which supports children up to the age of five, Ms Asher cut a cake celebrating the registration of more than 1,000 parents and carers at Corsham Sure Start, which opened in 2008.

Barnardo’s supporter Ms Asher, who is currently starring in Charley’s Aunt at the Theatre Royal in Bath, said: “It has been a wonderful day and it is interesting to learn more about the help this impressive facility provides.

“Barnardo’s offers a great range of support for children and their parents and I was really pleased to pay a visit to Corsham Sure Start and also have some of the lovely cake.”

Ms Asher, who has her own cake shop in London, praised the hard work of the centre’s staff.

Barnardo’s team leader Sarah Nelson said: “We are delighted that Jane was able to visit our project and learn more about how we are helping so many families to turn their lives around.

“Our staff and volunteers have a great relationship with the local community, establishing a level of trust and understanding which encourages parents and carers to seek help, if needed.

“So, although we’re mainly targeting some of the more vulnerable and disadvantaged residents, nobody feels stigmatised when they walk through our doors.

“We are immensely proud of everything that has been achieved, not only by our own team but also by the parents.”