THREE centres for childcare and family learning are to open today, signalling the launch of a town's £2.6m Early Excellence Service.

The facilities at Newport Primary, Archibald Primary and Whinney Banks Primary, all in Middlesbrough, are designed to offer co-ordinated childcare services such as playgroups, parent toddler sessions and after-school activities and also provide facilities for teenagers and adults.

The Early Excellence Service centres aim to help children and their families in learning and improve their social and emotional development. Although the centres are based in the west area of Middlesbrough, the facilities can be used by all children and parents in the town.

The openings are at Newport Primary (10am), Archi-bald Primary (10.45am) and Whinney Banks Primary at 11.45am.