FOR the first time in County Durham, an early years centre is offering combined childcare and education facilities.

To showcase its wide range of services for under-fives, Haswell Children's Centre opened its doors to the public yesterday.

Under one roof, the centre will provide people in Haswell, Haswell Plough and the surrounding area with early years education, childcare, health and family support.

Forty children's centres are being developed by Sure Start County Durham, which is run by the county council, in partnership with health, social care, voluntary groups and private organisations.

But Haswell is the only one to also offer childcare and nursery education.

The development follows the arrival of the independent company, Yellow Wellies, which won the tender to offer the education and care package to eligible children in the area.

County Councillor Norman Wade said: "The addition of Yellow Wellies provides parents with the opportunity to access integrated nursery education and childcare for the first time, which can only benefit the children of Haswell and Haswell Plough."

The centre's co-ordinator, James Naisbett, said: "The children's centre offers so many services to parents provided by our partners in health, Jobcentre Plus and the Children's Information Service.

"We have had parental involvement from the onset of the children's centre and we wish to develop this further.''

He added: "It is crucial that parents become and remain involved and that we can provide the access to the services they need. The open day was a chance for them to meet the staff here and learn more about what is on offer.''

Kate Jones, of Yellow Wellies, said: "By providing integrated education and childcare, children will experience a seamless service which will enhance their learning experiences."

Anyone wanting further information on the centre can telephone 0191-526 1581.