A MOBILE play area took to the roads yesterday to offer fun and advice to Teessiders.

The new single-decker, funded by the Sure Start East Cleveland Partnership, includes soft play equipment, a painting stand, musical instruments and building materials.

It can accommodate eight adults as well as youngsters, and has a kitchen and toilet, baby changing facilities, and an awning for outside play.

Three full time staff - driver Alan Lewis and coordinators Kathryn Porter and Gill Wardle - have been employed to take the bus to Easington, Liverton Mines, Carlin How, Skinningrove and Loftus, on a five-day timetable.

Sure Start manager Julie Conner said: "The Partnership is all about good quality play and learning experiences for parents as well as children, so when the bus stops, there'll also be health advice from Sure Start professionals for them."