POPULAR presenter Alex Lovell helped open the new home for Banwell's playgroup and out-of-school club. The BBC Points West newsreader met children from the village and the organisers, who have been working hard for the last seven years to raise the cash n

POPULAR presenter Alex Lovell helped open the new home for Banwell's playgroup and out-of-school club.The BBC Points West newsreader met children from the village and the organisers, who have been working hard for the last seven years to raise the cash needed to design and build the facility.The new building in West Street replaces the old rundown one which was demolished. During the two years the site was being cleared and rebuilt, the playgroup and club had a temporary home at the village youth and community centre.A competition was held at Banwell Primary School to design a logo and choose a new name for the group.The winner, Beth Macleod, who came up with the name Banwell Buddies, helped Alex unveil a plaque to officially declare the building open.The massive fund-raising effort was helped by several contributors including DEFRA, HSBC and Banwell Parish Council.The playgroup currently has 30 children aged up to four years old and the out-of-school club has a similar number aged four to 11. A voluntary management committee made up of parents runs the group alongside a dedicated staff of play workers.Vikki Fitzpatrick, committee chairman, said: "The opening of this new building is the culmination of years of hard work by many people."I would like to thank everybody who has been involved over the years for their determination and commitment to the project. I am delighted we are now able to provide such a wonderful environment for children to share new experiences, learn and grow in."n Pictured: Alex Lovell opening Banwell Playgroup Centre with Luke and Emily.