A NEW information line providing advice on children's services, including playgroups and nurseries, has been launched.

The free-call Childcare Information Service (CIS), funded by SureStart County Durham and managed by Durham County Council's Social Care and Health, also offers information about careers and training opportunities, grants, childminder networks and much more.

CIS Manager Alison Gargett said: "We serve as the front door to SureStart and offer a complete childcare information service, whether it's for anyone looking for top quality childcare or even wanting to pursue a career in that field.''

The County Durham Childcare Information Service is available between 8.30am and 4.30pm each weekday.

There is an answerphone service for out-of-office hours calls and a textphone service on 0191- 383 3980. The freephone number is 0800 9172917.