A CAMPAIGN to encourage more people to take up careers in childcare is to be launched in County Durham.

A programme of recruitment roadshows, combined with activities for children, will target major towns in the county over the coming weeks, to offer information.

Lynne Henderson, Durham County Council's programme coordinator for early years development, said: "We are aiming to target a variety of people, including those expressing an interest in childcare and people wanting to return to work after an absence.

"There will be advice on training programmes and information packs, and it will give us the opportunity to develop a database to provide an up-to-date service to existing and new providers looking to recruit.

"The roadshows will also be of benefit to working parents, as it will enable them to explore the various forms of childcare services available to them."

The events are organised by the county's early years development and childcare partnership, which plans and develops services for children under 14-years-old.

Members are parents and representatives from the local business community, voluntary organisations, local councils and health authorities, and nursery and childcare services.

The roadshow's itinerary is: Peterlee Leisure Centre, today; Bishop Auckland Town Hall, next Thursday; Chester-le-Street Leisure Centre, next Friday; Stanley, Louisa Centre, next Saturday, December 11, December 14 and December 16; Barnard Castle, Witham Hall, December 13; Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, December 12; Durham Town Hall, December 14.