A Government minister has officially opened the new Parents’ Advice Centre in Keighley.

Immigration Minister Damian Green was joined by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins at the Russell Street centre on Friday.

Mr Green praised the work of residents and volunteers who had developed the facility.

He later went to Ilkley to host the launch of the northern branch of a leading Conservative campaign group.

Parents’ Advice Centre Keighley (PACK) aims to offer free advice on a range of parenting issues.

Services include a telephone advice line, one-to-one sessions to discuss parenting issues, and a forum for parents to share experiences.

Specific advice is on offer for family law and immigration, and a Dads Project will support male carers of children and young people.

Future plans include courses, advice on drugs and alcohol, after-school and holiday activities, sports and a women’s group.

Mr Green told the Keighley News that such volunteer-run centres were “hugely important” and a perfect example of the Big Society.

He said: “The key thing is not just professional support for parents but the use of volunteers.

“The community supporting itself is what will make it successful in the long term. Instead of sitting back and asking ‘who will teach us?’, they’re doing it themselves.”

Mr Green’s visit came on the same afternoon as Prime Minister David Cameron announced plans to cut benefits for parents of truanting children.

Mr Green said there was a need for such “tough love” alongside support for initiatives such as Parents’ Advice Centre Keighley.

He said: “If people are not prepared to help themselves they have got to recognise there are consequences.”

More details on PACK’s services and activities are available from 01535 608601or info@packeighley.org.uk.

Later on Friday Mr Green was at the Winter Gardens in Ilkley to launch the Tory Reform Group North, dedicated to “progressive Conservatism”.

The event was hosted by Mr Hopkins, who has been a member for many years.