PARENTS have been invited to find out about a programme that works to improve the prospects of parents and children.

SureStart Brandon and Deerness Valley will hold the taster day, in Esh Winning Primary School, at 1pm tomorrow.

The event is available to families in areas covered by the SureStart programme, which include Bearpark, Brandon, Esh Winning, New Brancepeth, Ushaw Moor and Waterhouses.

Families can see for themselves the events and activities that SureStart offers.

This event includes activities and health support provided by Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust.

There will be an opportunity for parents to have one-to-one discussions with the child care co-ordinator and free gifts including teddy bears and pens.

Some of the other activities on offer will include messy play, a stop smoking service, breastfeeding support and childcare information.

SureStart programme manager Diane Jones said: "The programme is going from strength-to-strength with a number of new initiatives and activities."

The SureStart programme works with parents-to-be and children from birth up to five years in an effort to improve their life chances.

For more information, contact Ms Jones on 0191-373 4844.