YOUNGSTERS in east Cleveland are benefiting from a new playbus touring villages in the area.

The playbus has been set up by Sure Start East Cleveland, a Government-backed initiative, which aims to eradicate childhood poverty in deprived areas.

The purpose-built single decker has soft play areas, opportunities for painting, crafts, and games, a toilet with baby-changing facilities, a kitchen, and seating area for adults with a TV and video.

The playbus team - driver Alan Lewis, Gillian Wardle and Kathryn Porter - organise three 90-minute sessions a day.

Some are just for parents and carers to access Sure Start advice and information, while at other times, the bus acts as a creche.

The bus stops at Loftus Leisure Centre on Monday and Friday mornings, Maynard Street, at Carlin How, on Monday afternoons and Wednesday mornings, The Tiger at Easington, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Westfield Way, at Loftus, on Tuesday morning, Lantsbury Drive at Liverton Mines, on Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings, and The Square, at Skinningrove, on Thursday lunchtime and Friday afternoon.

For more information call Sure Start on (01287) 644200.