FAMILIES with young children in Shildon and Newton Aycliffe are being invited to a party to celebrate the launch of their Sure Start programme.

The Shildon and Newton Aycliffe West Sure Start Partnership has organised the party for children aged up to four, to celebrate the launch of the programmetomorrow, at Shildon Civic Hall, from 10.45am to 1.30pm.

Sure Start is a Government-funded programme that aims to improve services to families with children under four, including childcare, education, social, health and family services.

The partnership includes representatives of local parents, community organisations, town councils, Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, Sedgefield Borough Council, Durham County Council and Durham Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

Julia Pope, Sure Start programme manager, said: "Since January the partnership has already made huge progress. It has delivered a number of services including music and dance sessions, parent and toddler play sessions, trips away, a home safety scheme and dental health initiative.

"So far, more than 300 children under the age of four and their families have benefitted."

For more information about Sure Start, contact (01388) 777613.