Organisers are trying to raise money to pay for two new children's centres in the region.

The estimated cost of creating the centres has risen to about £1.5m since the Government pledged £1m towards the project in May 2003.

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

Each centre would provide childcare, education, health services, and training and job advice to help parents into employment.

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 cash can be secured from SureStart, Europe, the schools and Sedgefield Primary Care Trust.

Durham County Council has offered free land at both sites.

Programme manager Julia Pope said organisers are confident they will raise the remaining money.

She said: "SureStart 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."