EXTRA nursery school places could be provided in four deprived areas of County Durham.

The move is part of Durham County Council's drive to meet a Government commitment that all three-year-olds should have access to free education by September 2004.

The council's education department is looking to create extra space at Easington Colliery and Dipton primary schools, Lumley Medway Infant School and Howletch Primary School, in Peterlee.

The Government has said it will provide almost £340,000 in capital funding over two years, providing the council matches the cash.

At Lumley, 26 places could be provided. At present, provision in the area is at the nearby Woodlea Primary and Bournmoor schools.

Education director Keith Mitchell said the area had a shortfall of about 30 nursery places.

"New provision at Lumley Medway would not only fully address this shortfall, but would redistribute the attendance at nursery for a significant number of children.''

Howletch Primary School has a 26-place nursery and the council is considering creating an extra 13 places.

It falls outside the area covered by the Easington Sure Start, which aims to give a boost to youngsters from poorer backgrounds.

Mr Mitchell said the Howletch area had a "very significant shortfall in provision'' and that the problem had yet to be addressed.

A 26-place nursery unit could be created at Easington Colliery Primary School.

Many youngsters attend the Rosemary Lane Nursery School, but parents would prefer a nursery closer to home.

Mr Mitchell said: "Currently, 39 children in reception class did not experience nursery education.

"Some of these live in areas of Easington which, while closer to the primary school than to the nursery, are still faced with considerable travelling.''

He said about 12 children in neighbouring Horden were unable to get nursery education.

There is no nursery education in Dipton, between Stanley and Consett, and there are plans to create 26 places using surplus places at Dipton Colliery Primary School.

At present, children have to travel to neighbouring villages to take up nursery places.