PLAYERS from Hartlepool United, and club mascot H'Angus, will promote a new initiative for children in the town next week.

Sure Start (South) is designed to give youngsters the best possible start in life. During the next two years, £2.26m will be spent helping youngsters under the age of four and their parents.

It involves health, education and social care staff working with parents to ensure their children do well when they start school.

The scheme will help hundreds of families in the Owton Manor, Rossmere and Seaton Grange areas. There will be a separate Sure Start scheme for the north of the town.

Families will have access to a range of new services, including drop-in centres. There will be opportunities for people to develop their parenting skills.

Denise Sutton, the Sure Start (South) manager, said: "We are delighted that players from Hartlepool United are coming to join some of the activities.

"We have lots of events planned, ranging from Easter crafts to ball skills."

The open day takes place at Rossmere Youth Centre, Rossmere Way, Hartlepool, on Tuesday, from 3pm to 6pm.