Prescott: I'm to be a grandfather >video

Hull East MP John Prescott announced he was going to be a granddad for the first time, as he opened a new children's centre in the city.

Estcourt Children's Centre, based at Estcourt Primary School, was officially opened by the MP yesterday.

The east Hull centre provides a huge range of services for children up to five and their parents in disadvantaged areas.

As the former deputy prime minister addressed the staff, parents and children, he said: "I may be looking at children's centres myself soon as I have just found out I am going to be a granddad."

Mr Prescott went on: "We are absolutely delighted. I know my wife Pauline has been hankering for a grandchild for ages."

Mr Prescott's son David and his wife, Roz, are apparently expecting their first child in May.

The children's centre boasts a child health clinic, midwifery services, toddler groups and baby massage, plus career advice, training courses and yoga classes for parents.

Next year, there are plans for family keep-fit classes, dietary advice and courses in English, maths and computing.

Centre co-ordinator Sue Rumney said: "The idea is the centre acts as a one-stop shop, with everything accessible to parents within pram-pushing distance."

Emily Cooke, 33, of Westcott Street, east Hull, visits the centre's family room once a week with her sons, two-year-old Ben and Douglas, three.

She said: "It's really nice for the children to be able to come along and play with the others and it's good to mix with the other parents. It's a regular event in my diary now."

The centre works closely with Estcourt Primary School, which was rebuilt at the same time.

Pupils Ellie Shepherd and Ryan Clark, both 11, helped to show Mr Prescott around both buildings.