FREE advice on how to cope with the strains of everyday life was given to Okehampton families at a special event last week.

The 'one-stop shop' was organised by Barnardo's Okehampton Children's Centre, which supports parents and carers with under-fives. Information on offer covered housing, budgeting, healthy eating, reducing water bills, and the benefits of joining credit unions.

The organisations at the event included West Devon Borough Council, South West Water, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, the Family Action Programme, Love Food Hate Waste, and the Plough and Share credit union.

Youngsters were also catered for with free play activities for under fives, and was part of a new session, Play2Learn, being held at the hall on Thursdays by the children's centre.

Barnardo's centre manager Chris Parsons said: 'It has been extremely busy this afternoon, so it has been a real success. We often get questions from parents, and this is a real chance to get those questions answered.'

The children's centre is based at Okehampton College and is open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. Free activities take place both within Okehampton and the wider community, including Chagford, South Zeal and Sticklepath.

These include parenting programmes, breastfeeding groups, baby massage, healthy eating, communication skills, music and movement, and support for children with additional needs. Staff also provide links to health services, education, employment and training.