AN ORGANISATION set up to improve the quality of life for young families in north-west Durham celebrated its achievements with a family fun day this weekend.

Sure Start West Derwentside invited parents and children from Annfield Plain, Delves Lane, Leadgate, Crookhall, Dipton, The Grove and Moorside to a fun day in Catchgate Primary School.

Newcastle United football legend Malcolm 'Supermac' MacDonald officially opened the festivities. Activities included face painting, a bouncy castle, salsa and line dancing and soft play. There was also a falconry display and performances from local bands and dancers, plus a magic and puppet show.

For parents, there were first aid displays, Indian head massage, beauty treatments, healthy eating demonstrations, Tai Chi and aromatherapy. There was also a creche where new mothers could leave their tots.

Sure Start, based in Catchgate school, works with parents-to-be and children who have not yet reached their fifth birthdays, with the aim to improve the health and well-being of parents and children and prepare youngsters to flourish at school.

Programme administrator Nicola Attewell said: "The fun days have been organised to introduce Sure Start West Derwentside to the area and, of course, to provide a fun-filled day for the local community.

"We are a new programme with a growing staff team. Currently there are three members of staff, which will grow to 25 over the next few years."

The team operates from the office of head teacher Ken Joel and is desperate for its own accommodation. "We are looking for somewhere to house the staff on a more permanent basis. If anyone can help us with this, we'd be very grateful," said Nicoloa.

For those parents that could not make it, all the activities will be back for a second fuSn day on Saturday, June 28, in The Grove Primary School, Consett, 11am- 3pm.

The group, set up last December, has also held a competition for a child to design its logo. The winners will be unveiled at Catchgate Primary on Wednesday.