Barnardo’s centre opened in Cork by patron Mary McAleese

The President, Mary McAleese, has officially opened the new Barnardo's regional centre in Cork.

Ms McAleese is patron of the world-famous children's charity, founded by Dubliner Thomas Barnardo, which has helped families remain together since it arrived in Ireland in the 1960's.

The centre co-ordinates southern services as far as Wexford to the east and Carlow to the north.

Spokesman Sean Redmond said the services provided are a vital resource in keeping children with their families and preventing more difficult situations arising in the future.