PARENTS in Hartlepool can hunt for those last-minute Christmas gifts while their children are being cared for, thanks to a new drop-and- shop scheme at Brierton Community Sports Centre.

Scheme activities include basketball, netball, badminton, mini tennis and a sports quiz for youngsters aged seven to 14.

There will also be a Scallywags half-day creche service for children aged up to seven in the centre's own creche.

The sessions will run on Saturday and Sunday, December 21 and 22, from 9am to 1pm and 1pm to 5pm.

Each four-hour session costs £10 and refreshments are included.

Karen Hyrons, sports centre manager, said: "We are all too aware of the stresses and strains of Christmas shopping, so we are trying to give people the chance to chase up those last-minute presents without worrying about the children being with them."

For more information and to book a place, call the sports centre on (01429) 287606.