PARENTS of young children in the Darlington borough are being urged to book a place for their under-fives at the school of their choice.

Parents need to contact their preferred primary school before December 7 to register children whose date of birth falls between September 1, 1997, and August 31, 1998, and who will be starting school in the 2002/03 school year.

If any child has brothers or sisters already attending the chosen school, or if the child currently attends a nursery unit of a chosen school, a place will still need to be booked.

Arrangements also need to be made, before December 7 for all children whose dates of birth fall between September 1, 1994, and August 31, 1995, who attend infant school and will be transferring to different junior schools in September 2002.

A council spokesman said: "It is important for parents to book a place for their children as soon as possible.

"Often parents believe if they already have children at a school they will not have to contact the school to book a place for a younger brother or sister, but this is not the case."

Parents who have queries can contact the admissions section of Darlington Borough Council's education department at the Town Hall on (01325) 388812.