A CHARITY helping parents bond with their estranged children has celebrated its 15th anniversary.

The Avenue Child Contact Centre, based at the Avenue Baptist Church in Milton Road, Westcliff, hosted a presentation evening at Porters civic house in Southend, with newly elected mayor John Lamb.

The event was attended by volunteers past and present and Mr Lamb presented long service certificates to them, including those who have volunteered for 25 years.

The centre offers a safe space for parents separated from their children to meet them. It acts as a stepping stone for parents to move on to making their own arrangements for contact. Visit avenuechildcontactcentre.btck.co.uk