A £650,000-a-year scheme aimed at giving young families a better start is to provide support to an area branded Britain's third most deprived.

In a national Index of Deprivation, published last year, Thorntree, in Middlesbrough was almost top for unemployment, low incomes and a generally poor standard of living.

As a result, Middlesbrough Borough Council decided that drastic action must be taken, and applied to the Government for extra funds to begin a Sure Start scheme.

Having won backing for the initiative, aimed at pre-school children and their families, it has drafted a final plan outlining the proposals for Thorntree and neighbouring Brambles Farm.

Devised by the Sure Start Steering Group with input from other groups, it will be presented to councillors at a meeting tomorrow.

As part of the scheme, a range of venues have been earmarked for new facilities.

Thorntree Youth and Community Centre has been allocated £318,000 to create secure outside play areas, a drop-in facility and clinic, more office space, a section for loan equipment, and a new entrance bearing the Sure Start logo.

Brambles Farm Primary School will benefit from £265,000 for a creche, parents' room and play area, while Thorntree Primary School has been allotted £123,000 for breakfast and after-school clubs and other facilities.

Many of the ideas have been suggested by the area's residents, including parents from local community groups.

Over the scheme's ten-year lifespan, an annual budget will be spent on health programmes, early learning and childcare, parent and community support, supplies, services and premises costs.

After it starts in April, parents will be invited to sign up as a Sure Start family prior to, or immediately after the birth of their baby.

Parents will be regularly consulted on whether they feel services have improved and encouraged to participate in them by becoming volunteers or board members.

A spokesman for Middlesbrough Borough Council said: "There are about 750 children who will benefit from it.

"There will also be employment opportunities in areas like project support work.

"It is part of a broad strategy to address deprivation and we are very hopeful that it will improve the quality of life for people living in the area."