A MULTI-million pound cash injection seems likely to create 744 new childcare places in Wearside.

An £8.1m Government grant has been given to Sunderland Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, to set up 19 neighbourhood nurseries in deprived areas.

It is hoped by setting up the nurseries, unemployment will be reduced because parents can return to work. It also allows children in disadvantaged areas to receive quality childcare.

The money was given to the Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative, a Government programme run by early years agencies at local level, and should also lead to the creation of 200 jobs.

Norma Hardy, head of early years and childcare at Sunderland, said: "This major investment will bring an incredible boost to employment and childcare in the area."

In some areas of Sunderland, more childcare places will be added to existing nurseries, and in others new nurseries will be created.