A GOVERNMENT minister met mums and toddlers during a visit to Loughton today.

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander chatted with local families at the Sunrise Children’s Centre in Alderton Hall Lane.

He was accompanied by Labour MEP for the East of England Richard Howitt and local councillor Tom Owen at the charity-run facility which runs activities for parents and children aged five and under.

Mr Alexander said: “We really appreciated the chance to talk to everyone and will be taking their comments on board about what really matters to them. ”