Three-year-old Ruby Perkins with Warren the rabbit at Windchimes's first birthday celebrations

Windchimes, a revolutionary centre for disabled children and their families in Herne Bay, has celebrated its first birthday.

Opened by HRH Princess Anne last summer, the centre in Reynolds Close has changed the lives of countless families from across east Kent and improved the lifestyle and wellbeing of many disabled children and young people.

The centre looks after the needs of children with a broad range of disabilities and is home to a spa pool, sensory room, soft play room, computer room and a multi-purpose hall, which has a kitchen that has been adapted for the children to use. There is also a café, parents' area and meeting room.

The Windchimes building cost £3.45million, the majority of which was funded by Kent County Council.

A contribution towards the equipment was made by The Wooden Spoon, a charity that supports disadvantaged children and young people.

There is a building next to Windchimes called the Beach Hut, a place where children with the most complex needs can stay for up to seven nights to give their families a break.

Acting manager Elizabeth Watson said: "It is hard to put into words the difference that Windchimes has made in the first 12 months. The children and young people really enjoy the facilities here. It's a busy, vibrant place. There's always something going on."