A SERIES of events designed to promote childcare as a career choice will be staged in Darlington next week.

Darlington Borough Council's early years team will host story days and teddy bear hunts and people considering a career in childcare will be able to get information and advice from the experts.

The highlight of the week will be a fun day at Darlington Rugby Club, Blackwell Meadows, on Wednesday.

Activities will include face painting, circus acts, balloon modelling, giant board games and a toy library.

Art by children in childcare will be displayed at venues across the town, including Cockerton Library, Sainsburys, Mothercare, Crown Street Library and the Dolphin Centre.

Chris McEwan, the council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is an ideal opportunity to find out more about employment opportunities in childcare by simply popping along to one of the displays and talking to our early years team members."

A display stand showing local job opportunities in childcare will be at the following venues next week: Asda, Whinbush Way, Monday, from 10am to 2pm; Morrisons, Morton Park, Tuesday, from 10am to 2pm; Sainsbury's, Victoria Road, Thursday, 10am to 2pm; Cockerton Library, Friday, 10am to 2pm.