YOUNGSTERS in east Cleveland are learning that a trip to the dentist can be fun thanks to the Sure Start Partnership.

Sure Start is a Government funded scheme aimed at eradicating poverty for pre-school children.

A role-playing toy, complete with dentist's chair, tunic and glasses, is helping Sure Start's oral health promotion advisor Wendy McGee break down the fear barrier among three and four-year-olds, in Loftus. She said the response had been "brilliant".

The chair is just one of the attractions for the second of Sure Start's three school extensions in the Loftus area.

The rooms are to be used for drop-in sessions and for other purposes to help parents and toddlers.

Yesterday, Colin Moore, of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, cut the ribbon to open the room at Hummersea Primary School.

The first room was opened at St Joseph's RC Primary School earlier this month and the third will soon be unveiled at Harry Dack Infant School.

A series of events is taking place at Hummersea throughout the week.