A PROGRAMME aimed at giving young people a good start in life is about to bring a £3.2m investment to four communities.

The Government-funded Sure Start Monument programme will today open two centres, at St Aidan's parish centre, in New Herrington, and Westbourne Terrace, in Shiney Row, both on Wearside.

A further two centres are due to open in 2005, in nearby Penshaw and Fencehouses, as part of the programme.

Between them, the centres will provide communities with services such as support for parent and toddler groups, a toy library, a baby clinic, family and community groups and training opportunities.

Also being officially launched by Houghton and Washington East MP Fraser Kemp is Sure Start's first community bus, which will enable parents and children to easily access the services.

Phil Hayden, programme manager for Sure Start Monument, said: "Opening the first of these new centres is a huge step forward.

"Through the Sure Start Monument programme, we plan to greatly enhance the services available to residents and provide local children with a good head start."

Children will today be able to take part in a range of activities at the centres.

Residents will be given the opportunity to take part in a consultation on how the area can best benefit from the Sure Start programme.