A service aimed at helping parents and carers of children aged 0 to 14 years in Swindon is celebrating its first anniversary.

Launched in October last year the Children's Information Service has proved a great success, receiving over 2,000 telephone calls from people needing information. In September alone over 280 calls were taken. Annette Palmer, Gerry Gardener and John Spencer run the service, which is funded by the government, managing and updating a database of contact numbers and facts covering childcare, private and local authority schools, clubs and activities for children with disabilities. Parents, carers or children can obtain this information by making just one telephone call.

John Spencer said the most commonly asked questions relate to finding local childcare, toddler groups, school catchment areas and the availability of funding towards the cost of childcare. "The response we are getting is great. We are a one-stop shop, though people have sometimes made ten or more calls before they get to us. They are really pleased we can give them all the information they need and we are getting quite a few repeat customers which is a good measure of our success."

The website, which was set up at the beginning of the year is updated daily with new information, and averages over 2,500 hits each month.

The CIS is looking for new premises with a shopfront so that people can pop in to collect information. It is also keen to provide a more extensive list of clubs. If you run an organisation, give the team a call with your details.

The Children's Information Service can be contacted on 01793 541786 or by email:cissw@aol.com, or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk/swindon