The future looks bright for an award-winning Dudley children’s centre as determined parents and campaigners have ensured it will get access to funds that were previously out of reach.

Following a two-year campaign, The Friends of Sycamore Adventure have secured charitable status, an accolade that will ease the financial strain on the popular centre.

Established in June 2010, the multi-purpose children’s centre offers access to an adventure playground, go-karting, camp fires, play building and sensory areas for all children including those with disabilities.

It also acts as a venue for school trips, children’s parties, team building, training and conference facilities and this year alone, attracted more than 20,000 youngsters.

Dudley's children's services boss Councillor Ian Cooper congratulated the team for securing the status, adding: “We couldn’t be happier to receive this news, they do so much great work for so many children and families."

Keith Rogers, manager of the centre, based on the Old Park Farm Estate, said: “We have faced some financial challenges in recent times, which could have made our future a little uncertain, however Friends of Sycamore Adventure obtaining charitable status will enable it to access funds and support for the centre that were previously out of our reach.

"This is particularly important because a high percentage of our visitors are children living with disabilities and from less privileged neighbourhoods."

The centre has celebrated its good news by spreading some festive cheer and dishing out 160 gifts to disadvantaged youngsters as part of Operation Santa - a project organised by Dudley CVS that ensures thousands of children have presents to open on Christmas morning.