A RANGE of childcare services will be administered from Billingham Campus School, the Government has announced.

The school has been designated as Stockton's full service extended school along with eight primary schools. That means the school will be funded by the year 2006 to provide services including life-long learning and additional childcare. The aim is to provide a co-ordinated programme of after-school learning and leisure activities for all ages. Services will also include study support, sports, art, access to information and communications technology, integrated early education and family support. A manager, Nick Strong, has been appointed to have plans to provide the activities in place by January, 2004. Stanley Bradford, Stockton Borough Council's director of education, said: "The initiative is the first step in what is intended to become a borough-wide new approach to delivering services within the centre of local communities." The eight primary schools which will also be involved are: Bewley Infant and Junior schools, Billingham South, High Clarence, Oakdene, and Pentland primaries and Roseberry Infant and Junior School.

HELPFUL HINTS: Stockton Borough Council's adult education service is offering advice to anyone wishing to take up a course, but are unsure about which one to take. One-to-one support can be offered for basic skills, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairment and mental health conditions. Financial help may also be available for learners on means-tested benefits for childcare, examination fees, transport costs and equipment. For further information contact the Learner Support Office on (01642) 397370.

MELODY MAKERS: The Redcar Melody Makers, a four piece band, entertained the Thornaby Over 60s Club in Thornaby Pavilion recently. It was the band's first performance after the return of members following ill health.

EDITOR TALK: Editor of The Northern Echo Peter Barron addressed the members of the Cleveland Retired Men's Association in Redcar recently. A spokesman for the association said: "There was a lot of laughter, lots of questions and a lively feedback. It was an entertaining meeting."

FREE FACIAL: A free beauty makeover is a prize at a charity evening organised for the Riding for the Disabled Association's Unicorn Centre, at Springs Health Club, on Teesside Park, near Thornaby on October 30, from 7.30pm.

COFFEE MORNING: A coffee morning will be held at New Marske Methodist Church on Saturday from 10am to noon