WORK has started on a £1m project to deliver services for children.

The first turf has been cut for two multi-purpose centres for SureStart Shildon and Newton Aycliffe West.

Representatives from SureStart were joined by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust (PCT) and local dignitaries at two ceremonies - one for each centre.

The first ceremony marked the start of work on a base in the grounds of Timothy Hackworth Primary School, in Shildon, and the second celebrated the centre in the grounds of Stephenson Way Primary School in Newton Aycliffe.

The centres will promote integrated activities in both towns and will work closely with existing nursery provision of each school to enhance early years education.

Both will boast meeting rooms and public spaces for a range of activities, and support services for parents as well as training courses.

There will also be full day care and play and creche services for children aged up to five, and sensory rooms to stimulate babies' development.

It is hoped that both buildings will be running by May next year.

The Government allocated £1m for the creation of the two centres, and a further £253,000 of cash has come from agencies such as Sedgefield PCT, Durham County Council, Timothy Hackworth and Stephenson Way Primary Schools, Sedgefield Borough Council and Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.

Nigel Porter, chief executive of Sedgefield PCT said: "We are now a step closer to providing modern facilities for the new children's centres and this marks an exciting time for SureStart.

"We have responded to local need to provide activities and courses to help people improve their lives.

"We want parents to get involved, to take up training and make the most of the opportunities.''

Parents have played a role in the design of the buildings and what they will offer.

Tracey Ward said: "It's going to be fantastic. Parents have worked really hard on the project and the community has been involved all the way so it's exciting to see what the buildings will look like.''