A CENTRE which has helped protect children from serious risk is to close its doors after 11 years.

Redditch Family Centre, which opened in 1990, was set up by Worcestershire County Council social services and children's charity Barnardos.

The decision to close it follows a review of support services which has resulted in the creation of Family Support Teams.

The new groups will focus on preventing significant harm to children, children in care, support to families close to breakdown and reuniting children with their own families.

Jean Pickering, of social services, said: "We have appreciated the work at Redditch Family Centre over the years and have valued the contribution it has made.

"Barnardos and social services will continue to work in partnership providing short-break care to children with disabilities and their families through the Worcestershire Short Breaks project."

Barnardos assistant director Marian Osborne said: "It's always sad to see a successful project close but we fully appreciate why, with the council changes to service provision, the centre is no longer needed.

"Barnardos staff have done a wonderful job and we appreciate the support we've enjoyed from other professionals over the years."

The centre will close in December.