A FAMILY centre is preparing to expand its childcare services after moving to new premises.

The Lighthouse Family Centre has moved to School Aycliffe Community Centre and an application for funds to start after-school care is being considered and could be available from October.

A pre-school group should be ready to start in November, with 26 places for children aged up to two-years, including a six-place baby unit.

Funding from the Early Years Development group should enable the pre-school section to expand to take children up to four-years-old in January 2004. For more details telephone (01325) 320953.