THE "treasure trove" of activities at Caterham's arts centre has won it a coveted accolade.
The Arc has won a runner-up award for the second successive year in the most child-friendly places category of a national award scheme, following under-cover visits by judges from children's accessories shop mamasandpapas.com.
The centre, in Weston Drive, attracts about 7,000 visitors on busy weeks, and has an impressive array of more than 40 courses and sessions – ranging from Spanish to pole dancing – together with its popular soft play zone for children.
The award's glowing citation reads: "The Arc is a treasure trove, bursting with fun and activities.
"Open seven days a week, it offers soft play for babies up to 11-year-olds (with a separate section for under-3's), drop-in storytelling, a cafe with children's portions and prices, bottle and baby-food warming, birthday parties, children's theatre shows, a monthly craft fair, and mother and toddler dance sessions in school holidays. Wow!"
The Arc has 55 volunteers, of which 27 have special needs.
John Soffe, who runs comedy nights there as well as being a centre director, said: "Its very nice to be highly regarded in this way, particularly for two years running.
"Visitors coming back to more events is always the main indication that we are doing something right, but an accolade like this is very reassuring."
Stephanie Ely, 24, of Court Bushes Road, Whyteleafe, visited the soft play zone with her eight-month-old son Nico on Thursday.
She said: "I love it here and have bought a season ticket.
"Nico has been coming to the soft play area since he was a few weeks old, and he adores it."
Ann Green, 71, of Stafford Road, Caterham, was accompanying her grandchildren.
She said: "Its a fantastic centre with so much going on – from dance classes to keep fit sessions.
"Volunteers mainly run it, and most of them are young people which is a good thing."
A project called Aspire is set to be launched in the autumn at the Arc.
Young people will hear from inspiration speakers such as business magnate Gold and author and humanitarian Terry Waite, as well as being offered careers advice and work placements.
And the coveted long-term hope is to turn a former military gymnasium there into a performance area with space for about 250 people seated and up to 400 standing.
