POP star turned TV presenter Cheryl Baker opened a new play and learn scheme for the NSPCC and said she wished it had been around when her children were younger.

Cheryl, who has nine-year-old twin daughters, was unveiling the new initiative at Pear Tree House, Gillingham, on the national charity's annual Children's Day.

Singing nursery rhymes with the youngsters and cutting the yellow ribbon, the former Record Breakers host said: "If this scheme had been going when my children were of pre-school age I would have used it."

The play and learn scheme, or PALS, is a free home-based service for families with children under pre-school age. Experienced play workers take play equipment and visit families in their homes.