A birthday party was held for dozens of toddlers on Teesside yesterday.

Sure Start South Hartlepool held a fun and information day at its centre, on Rossmere Way, to celebrate its first anniversary.

There was fun for children and specialist advice available for parents.

Activities included a visit from the Fire Brigade's children's engine Little Dennis, a miniature railway, bouncy castle, face painting and a storytime tent.

Adults learnt about baby massage, hand massage and enjoyed an arts and craft tent. A disco and fashion show was held last night. Peter Mandelson attended and cut a large birthday cake.

Denise Sutton, Sure Start South's manager, said it had been a tremendous first year.

Mr Mandelson said: "The Sure Start team has already achieved so much which is down to the tremendous enthusiasm and dedication of everyone involved. "