A DEDICATED directory offering advice and support to parents in Andover has been launched at the Guildhall.

Representatives from organisations packed into the building to receive a copy of the Parentaid directory - the first of its kind in Hampshire.

Launching the event, Test Valley Mayor Cllr Jack Taylor said it was 'an honour and a privilege' to be involved. "I think this is something that is long overdue and I am very, very pleased to see it arrive in Andover before anywhere else in Hampshire," he added.

The directory was produced by members of the Voices Group, a registered charity working as a support agency to raise the self-esteem of parents of children under five.

All the mums involved were presented with certificates from Cricklade College for their efforts.

Handing out the certificates, MP Sir George Young, said: "It is a wonderful project and it is superb that Andover is the first to do this. This information is invaluable in directing people to the right place when they come to my advice bureau."

Parentaid was set up by the Community Education Develop-ment Centre and is funded by the Home Office.

Project development worker Jean Lannie, thanked everyone who had been involved, including Testway Housing, Twinings, HSA Healthcare and Test Valley Borough Council for all their support in making the launch possible.

Jean said: "Thank you all for supporting what I believe is a commitment to support parents and carers in Andover and it wouldn't have happened without you all. It is important that everyone understands these great processes that have gone on in Andover.

"This is a pilot and we hope we can raise awareness to encourage it to be used and added to in the years to come."