NORTH-EAST MP Kevan Jones marked the launch of National SureStart Month with a visit to the £2m children's centre that he opened last year.

The member for North Durham was at the Clifford Road SureStart Centre, in Stanley, yesterday.

It started a month of events to promote the work of the Government-funded programme.

Mr Jones said: "The SureStart Centre at Stanley has been a real boost for families in the area since it opened last year.

"Nearly 1,000 children and their parents benefit from the help provided, giving them the best start in life.

"In Chester-le-Street SureStart is also having a big impact and I am very pleased so many of my constituents have been able to benefit from the scheme."

The centre includes an IT training suite and a crche.