Broadcaster and rugby legend, Ray Gravell, was among those who launched the Children's Information Service (CIS) in Pembrokeshire recently.
The CIS offers a 'tailor-made' service providing information on the different types of registered childcare available in the county. It offers support and guidance to help parents identify their requirements and make choices that suit their needs and those of their children.
For instance, it will provide information on registered childcare for under eights such as day nurseries, playgroups, out-of-school clubs and childminders.
Pembrokeshire county councillor John Davies, cabinet member for children, young people and the Welsh language, said the parents would find the service extremely useful.
"The CIS will bring together all the information that parents may need so that it is easily accessible to them. It is a crucial part of childcare strategy," he added.
The service has evolved from a Welsh Assembly Government initiative for each Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) to participate in a computerised, childcare information service by March 2003.
The launch, at Wolfscastle Country Hotel, was attended by representatives from 14 local authorities across South Wales.
Ray Gravell spoke on the joys of parenthood and the difficulties of balancing work and childcare, and Karen Ramshaw, chief executive of the National Association for CIS, travelled from London to speak on the development of the service.
David Morrisey, chairman of the local CIS Management Group, gave a resume on the development of the service, and local personality, Brian Harries, was the MC.
• The CIS office is located in Merlin's Court, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, and is open from 9 am to 5 pm weekdays. A message can be left on the answerphone out of hours. More information can be obtained by calling the CIS on (01437) 763344.