A NUMBER of children's centres are to be launched across the North-East to bring services for children and parents under one roof.

The 24 new centres, based at schools, nurseries and SureStart centres, will be a one-stop shop for families.

They will offer childcare and early learning services, health services, family support, a base for childminders and help for parents who want to get into work.

The Government is opening 180 centres across the country and is aiming for 2,500 children's centres across England and Wales by March 2008, ensuring services such as SureStart are available to 56 per cent of children under five. These centres, many in deprived areas, build towards the Government's long-term goal of a children's centre for every community and an end to child poverty.

Margaret Hodge, children's minister, said: "It is my long-term vision for children's centre services to be available for every child as part of my commitment to ensuring children are at the heart of everything we do, with professionals working together to deliver joined-up services.

"This will provide a better outcome for all children, help parents balance their work and family life and support local communities."

The new centres will be at:

* SureStart Stanley and Craghead Nursery in Stanley, North Durham;

* Thorntree Primary School, Whinney Banks Early Excellence Centre and SureStart South Bank, Middlesbrough;

* Rossmere & St Teresa's Children's Centre, Hartlepool;

* Redhill Centre, Childcare Centre, Queen Street Centre and Tedder School in Stockton;

* Dormanstown SureStart, Redcar; Whitecliffe SureStart, Battle Hill Children's Centre, Cleveland;

* two in Gateshead;

* four in Newcastle;

* two in Northumberland;

* three in South Tyneside.

The money to pay for the setting-up of the centres has already been given to local authorities.