A CHILDREN'S charity which has moved to Thornbury has celebrated its grand opening.

Incredible Kids, which supports families in Bristol who have children with special needs, was visited by over 100 people at its new temporary home in the former South Gloucestershire Council offices, as families from as far away as Portishead gathered for the opening on Saturday.

The charity had been searching for a new site after it was forced to move out of its offices in Bradley Stoke at short notice.

“The opening in Thornbury was the culmination of the hard work of all our volunteers and supporters over the last few months,” said one of the charity’s trustees Jennie Prewett.

“The new centre has exceeded all our prayers and expectations. Parents have told us that they are delighted with the new service which gives our incredible children more space than ever and a vibrant and inspiring place to play with their families and friends.”

The opening was also attended by Cllr Erica Williams, chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, who opened the centre, along with Abdul Malik, chairman of Easton Mosque and the Rev Philip Rowe of St Mary's in Almondsbury.

“It was a privilege to be invited to the official opening for the Incredible Kids on Saturday,” said Cllr Williams.

“This dedicated charity, is so supportive of families with children who have additional needs, taking families out of isolation and provide a vital service that is unique and special. We are working together to find Incredible Kids a permanent home and support them every way we can.”

Mr Malik said: “Sometimes a simple gesture, in this case toys and play equipment, can have a profoundly important impact on the most vulnerable in our society especially these special children and their families, it's been a privilege to meet the trustees and community and I'm hoping to work with them in the future. 

“My hope is that this will inspire communities to do good for each other and the result will build a bridge of friendship between the Muslim and Christian communities in our region and indeed beyond.”