CHILDREN and parents who have benefitted from a scheme to support young families took part in a Olympic-themed event yesterday to mark the Games’ opening ceremony.

The event, held at the Stevenson Community Centre in Great Cornard, was organised by workers and volunteers involved with Babergh District Council’s Home-start initiative, which looks to aid familes with children under-five years old.

Children were encouraged to try crafts relating to different continents signified by the Olympic Rings, such as making a face mask of African animals, building an Australian boomerang or creating Russian dolls. Sporting events on the playing fields outside the hall were also in full swing with kids trying their hand at hurdling, discus, javelin and archery.

Food from around the world,like samosas, Ethiopian breads and pizza was also served up.

According to the scheme leader, Sarah Mann, across the district there are 99 families signed up to the Home-start scheme who require support for numerous reasons. She said: “Common problems associated with having young families tend to be things like rural isolation, financial difficulties, post-natal depression and simply the need for a chat or some time out.

“People tend to think that Suffolk is a prosperous county but there are pockets of poverty where the scheme really helps to support families”

Home-start is part funded by Babergh District Council and Suffolk County Council but also relies on grants from other organisations. Earlier this year, Children In Need pledged �34,000 to the scheme over the next three years.