WORK will begin next week on a £600,000 centre in Hartlepool to help give youngsters the best possible start in life.

It will provide support for parents of children under four living in the Owton Manor, Rossmere and Seaton Grange areas.

Health, education and social care staff will work closely with parents to make sure youngsters flourish when they start school.

During the next two years, £2.26m will be spent on the scheme, funded by the Government's Sure Start programme.

As well as the centre, which will be built in Rossmere Way, a £110,000 satellite office is being set up in Leaholme Road. This should open in the autumn.

Plans being discussed for the centres include a creche, playgroups and child clinics.

For more information about Sure Start, or to offer ideas to the centres, telephone (01429) 292444.

"We still need to hear from as many young families as possible in Owton Manor, Rossmere and Seaton Grange. We need them to tell us what facilities, courses and support they would like to see on offer at the centres."