ANDOVER Childminders Association welcomed a very special visitor recently when Sir George Young popped to watch a puppet show in St Michael's Church Hall, Smannell Road.

He said: "This weekly session is of great value, as it enables the childminders to meet each other and provide mutual support - and it gives the children an opportunity to broaden their range of friends.

"Many of the childminders are gaining extra qualifications in their spare time, and Lorna Wagner - who arranged my visit - plays an active part in the National Childminding Association."

Sir George was told that members enjoyed childminding, as it enabled them to have a career and a job that was compatible with looking after their own children.

"They clearly become very attached to the children they are looking after, and are sorry when they leave to go to school," said the MP.

The minders put on a pupper show for Sir George, who is pursuing with the Department of Work and Pensions some issues concerning family tax credit.