A CHILDCARE scheme that helps parents find work has become a permanent feature on a run-down estate.

The scheme was run as a pilot at Pennywell, Sunderland, during the school Easter and summer holidays.

It was set up by Pennywell Neighbourhood Centre and Pennywell Community Business, after research showed many parents could not take jobs because they had no one to look after their children. It proved so popular that Single Regeneration Budget funding has been secured to keep it going.

Scheme originator Denise Barna said: "We anticipated the trial would be very popular, but never imagined it would take off at the level it did."

It provides care for children from three months to eleven years, and also offers a school collection service and an after-school club.