PARENTS of young children in the Darlington borough are being urged to book a school place for their under-fives.

They need to make arrangements with preferred primary schools before December 5 for children who will start in the 2004/5 school year.

Parents may apply to more than one school, but need to complete a form for each.

Arrangements also need to be made with preferred schools before December 5 for children with birth dates from September 1, 1996, to August 31, 1997, who are now attending infant schools and will transfer to different junior schools in September 2004.

Further information can be obtained by telephoning (01325) 388812.