A PIONEERING education centre for nursery age children on a Sunderland estate has been opened.

Sunderland City Council leader Colin Anderson opened the £250,000 Early Years Centre in Pennywell.

He said: "I'm delighted to open the centre. The area's regeneration programme has achieved remarkable results over the last four years with very innovative projects. This is one of them.

"All those involved in developing the Early Years Centre should be rightly proud of their achievements."

The centre has been created through the amalgamation of the estate's social services-run nursery and a community nursery.

The building brings services under one roof and streamlines early years learning and family support.

It has been funded by the Government's Single Regeneration Budget, which is supporting the multi-million pound regeneration of the area.

Facilities include parent support groups, a childminding network, medical and observation rooms, and provision for children with physical and learning difficulties.

Sunderland City Council has provided additional funding. The city's social services director, John Marsden, said: "Both the social services department and the education and community services department are committed to the joint development of early years services across the city."