THE foundation stone for a neighbourhood nursery and children's centre in North Ormesby has been laid by local MP Stuart Bell.

The £850,000 centre, which will include an 85-place nursery with full day care for newborn to four-year-olds, is due to open in the spring.

It is part of the wider regeneration of the area, which includes a £10m medical village, a residential development, market square refurbishment and alterations to the A66.

Middlesbrough councillor Jan Brunton said: "We welcome this development which shows the real commitment of the council to developing early learning and childcare services in the town."

Sixty places will be for children from deprived areas.