HARTLEPOOL's Sure Start (North) initiative is staging a sponsored fancy dress event next Tuesday in aid of the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death.

The Monster Push will involve Sure Start staff, parents and children walking with pushchairs along a route while dressed up as weird and wonderful monsters.

The event, which will take place from 1pm to 3pm and will start at the Sure Start premises in Miers Avenue at West View.

It will then make its way to the King George V playing fields before ending at the Phoenix Centre on Central Estate.

People are being asked to ensure it is a success by taking part and sponsorship forms are available from all Sure Start premises.

Sure Start (North) manager Margaret Holdforth said: "This is intended to be a fun event, but there is a very serious side to it too.

"To lose a child must be truly devastating for any parent and raising money to fund research into cot deaths is one way we can help to try to prevent the tragedy of premature deaths."

Two workshops are to be held to give people a chance to make their monster costumes. Materials will be supplied free.

The first workshop will take place at the Sure Start centre in Northgate on the Headland on Thursday, from 1pm to 3pm and the second at the Miers Avenue premises, from 10am to 12pm on Friday.

Further information about the event is available by contacting (01429) 292555.