ONE of the region's Euro MPs will visit north Durham to see how EU cash is helping its youngsters get the best start in life.

Stephen Hughes will visit the £1m Sure Start centre in Clifford Road, Stanley, tomorrow.

Sure Start is a Government-funded scheme for pre-school children and their families. The Stanley project is a multi-agency partnership, but is led by Durham County Council. The group has won several European grants to run projects.

Malcolm Pitt, Sure Start Stanley programme manager, said: "We are delighted that Stephen Hughes has agreed to visit us.

"This is an exciting time for Sure Start Stanley, which will continue to work with parents-to-be, parents and children to provide a full range of services for pre-school children and their families, so that they can receive the best possible start in life."

Since it opened from temporary offices in Joicey Gardens in 2001, the Stanley scheme has launched aqua-natal classes, toddler groups, dads and kids groups, and trips away.

It also offers a home safety loan scheme, baby massage and a healthy eating initiative.

The Clifford Road centre will serve 21,500 residents in the Stanley area and includes a privately-run day care nursery for up to 26 children. There will be rooms dedicated to baby feeding and health, plus a computer training suite, toy library and creche.

As part of his tour, Mr Hughes will also visit the Sure Start scheme based at Craghead Nursery in Greylingstand Terrace, Craghead.