A FAMILY centre is preparing to expand the range of childcare services it offers after moving to new premises.

The Lighthouse Family Centre has moved into School Aycliffe Community Centre after the cost of improving facilities at Greenfield Meeting Hall in nearby Newton Aycliffe, proved prohibitive.

Deborah Robson, from the family centre, said: "The reason we have moved is that it would have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to get Ofsted approval at Greenfield and funding was not available."

A parents and toddlers group is already operating at the centre, where it meets every Monday and Thursday morning.

The centre, which also has a sensory room and outdoor play area, are now accepting registrations for the pre-school group.

For details telephone Deborah Robson on (01325) 320953.