BBC television football pundit and former Liverpool captain, Alan Hansen, is opening a new independent assessment and development centre for children with communication difficulties in West Lancashire.

Belle Vue House in Ormskirk is part of the Witherslack Group’s growing portfolio and provides independent professional assessments for children of any age.

The centre, on Black Moss Lane, provides a range of assessments designed to find out exactly how a child communicates. These assessments investigate speech, language and social communication, literacy, numeracy and cognitive ability. The team are also trained in the diagnosis of autism and the centre offers customised packages for accredited training and outreach services.

Judith Brown, Head of the Centre said: “This is an invaluable facility for parents, schools and local authorities in the area and beyond.

“Our team of therapists, psychologists, teachers and consultant paediatricians will not only assess a child’s strengths and difficulties, but also provide essential recommendation as to future placement and provision of care.

“Onsite accommodation is also available to those parents and children travelling long distances or whose assessment is better carried out over a two-day period.”

Mr Hansen said: “I’m delighted to be invited to open Belle Vue. It is vital that centres like this are available for children and families who need them.

“I am extremely impressed by the building and am confident that the fantastic facilities will match the first-class standards of care and support which have become a hallmark of The Witherslack Group.”