CASH is rolling in to plug a funding gap for a scheme that aims to improve services for young families in two towns.

The estimated cost of creating new children's centres in Shildon and Newton Aycliffe has risen to about £1.5m since the Government pledged £1m towards the project in May 2003.

The Sure Start programme for Shildon and Newton Aycliffe West hopes to raise the extra cash so that new facilities can be built at Stephenson Way Primary School in Newton Aycliffe, and Timothy Hackworth Primary School in Shildon.

Each centre would unify services for the family in one location including child care, education, health and training and job advice to help parents into employment.

Organisers believe about 1,000 children under five, their parents and the local community would benefit from the centres each year.

Last week Sedgefield Borough Council awarded £75,000 to the scheme.

Richard Prisk, the council's head of strategy and regeneration, said: "The benefit of supporting the scheme is clear, to bring together family services in one building in two of the most disadvantaged wards. We believe it will help give the best possible start in life to children and benefit the wider communities."

It is hoped that extra cash can also be secured from the Government's national and local Sure Start budgets, the European regional development fund, the two schools and Sedgefield Primary Care Trust.

Durham County Council has contributed by making land at both proposed sites available at no cost.

Programme manager Julia Pope said scheme organisers are confident they will bridge the funding gap and see their dreams for both communities realised.

Mrs Pope said: "Sure Start is already helping lots of families in the area benefit from services they would otherwise not have access to.

"We are now using church halls and schools, which could remain as satellites but the two centres would be fundamental to the scheme and quality of services. The backing is wonderful, we are optimistic that we can close the funding gap and press ahead with planning applications."