A popular project for families in Calne has welcomed a new team leader.

Georgina Knappe has been appointed to run Calne Sure Start Children’s Centre, which is managed by Barnardo’s on behalf of Wiltshire Council and provides support and advice to parents and carers of under-fives.

Miss Knappe, who was previously a primary school teacher in Liverpool, became a project worker at a Barnardo’s intensive family support service in Trowbridge before taking up a role as a children’s centre development leader in South Gloucestershire.

She has now returned to the charity to manage the Calne service, which works with hundreds of local parents every year.

Miss Knappe said: “Calne was the first Sure Start project in the county to win the prestigious Investors in Families Award, which was a tribute to former team leader Katie Skuse and her team.

“Now I want to build on that success and work with even more families to give their children the best possible start in life.

“I’d encourage more volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, including grandparents and dads, who would like to get involved with their community.”