A NEW children's centre will soon open in Thornaby, offering a range of services to the community.

SureStart Stockton, Stockton Borough Council and Bader Primary School in Thornaby, have worked together on a scheme that will have benefits for the community following the closure of the school.

The first of three phases, the centre will be located in Tedder Avenue.

Work will begin soon and the project should be completed by 2005.

The centre will give a holistic approach to children's development, supporting families with young children and offering help to parents who are unemployed so they can return to work.

There will also be a neighbourhood nursery on the site that will provide flexible day care for 70 children.

The nursery has been designed to promote a warm, safe and stimulating environment as well as including features such as all playrooms having en-suite toilet facilities and outdoor play areas.

Jill Anderson, head of service for Surestart Stockton, said: "We are creating a children-friendly environment that has been designed with the needs of young children and their families in mind to provide them with the inspiration they need to encourage learning."