It was time to celebrate as autism charity Tracks marked its formal move to new premises after raising £400,000.

The Comet: Members of the Tracks team and dignitaries at the official opening.Members of the Tracks team and dignitaries at the official opening. (Image: Archant)

Tracks is a specialist early years centre for children with autism or related conditions, and its move from Mobbsbury Way to Boulton Road in Stevenage will mean an increase in capacity.

The building offers a variety of functional spaces for children’s activities, and there is a large outside area that includes a covered play space.

There is also a room for visiting therapists to use while working with children and parents, and staff have designated office space and a meeting room.

With a video message from actress and celebrity cake entrepreneur Jane Asher – who is also president of the National Autistic Society and patron of Tracks – and expressions of thanks from chairman Mervyn Terrett, the building was officially declared open on Wednesday last week.

Mr Terrett said: “It has really been a dream come true. Nobody who was around when Tracks started 12 years ago would ever have believed that in 2015 we would be able to produce our Ofsted excellent-rated services for autistic children in such splendid, specially-designed premises.

“A huge thanks to all the many supporters who helped to make this possible.”

The charity appeal for more than £400,000 was led by Lady Marina Hobson and co-ordinated by Tracks’ executive director Reverend Mike Shaw.

Also there on the day were the three founders of Tracks – Juliet Jamieson, Nan Cannon-Jones and Judy Coad.

To find out about the facilities visit the website at www.tracks-autism.org.uk.