FIVE-HUNDRED balloons were released to celebrate the opening of a centre for children and young families.

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones did the honours on Saturday as Stanley's SureStart scheme moved into premises in the centre of the town.

The scheme aims to help youngsters make the most of their potential by providing support through their early years.

The centre includes a family room, health facilities, a computer suite, toy library, creche, play area and privately-run day nursery.

The scheme is Government-funded and similar to others in disadvantaged areas across the country, backed by councils, health authorities, community groups and parents' organisations.

SureStart programme manager Malcolm Pitt said: "Since the launch of the programme in January 2001, we have made huge progress and the SureStart Stanley partnership has delivered a number of new services, including parent and toddler groups, dads and kids groups, trips away, a home safety loan scheme, baby massage and a healthy eating initiative.''

Meanwhile, about 1,600 people took part in a Sure Start multi-cultural festival at Kirkleatham Hall Museum, near Redcar, on Teesside, yesterday.

Hundreds of youngsters also took part in Redcar and Cleveland's Junior Fun Run at the nearby showground.

Activities, based on Europe, Asia, Africa and America, included music-making, multi-cultural dancing, play activities and face-painting.

Local MP Vera Baird, who ran with members of the Teesside Athletic Junior Football Club, of which she is president, said: "With all the news recently about the problem of obesity, it is good to take every opportunity to take exercise and to demonstrate that keeping fit can be fun as well."