SURE Start North East has been chosen to pilot a regional webpage.

The first of its kind in the country, it provides an overview of the Sure Start programme in the North-East.

"When we heard they were looking for a pilot, we jumped at the chance," said Hannah Marriott, spokeswoman for the regional Sure Start team.

"Sure Start started in 1997 and the phase of programmes were introduced last summer.

"Now we've got everything set up, this is a good way to sell our wares and promote our work."

Sure Start provides services for young children and families, including childcare and educational projects, and contributes nearly £300m to the regional economy.

The webpage, which is on the national Sure Start website, contains a wealth of information, from contact numbers to listings of events.

Each Sure Start centre is run autonomously and this is the first time details of all the programmes have been brought together.

Christine Smith, deputy chairman, One NorthEast and Jayne Moules, Sure Start's regional manager, will launch the Sure Start regional team's webpage today at Durham Clayport Library.

The celebrations will run from 11.30am to 2.30pm, with a drop-in facility available for people who would like to see the website.

Visit the website at www.surestart.gov.uk and click on NE regional team section.