FAMILIES with young children are going green so that their little ones flourish by living a healthier lifestyle.

A Greenstart project is linking environmental agency Groundwork West Durham with Sure Start initiatives in the Wear Valley, Stanley and Chester-le-Street areas.

Launched with a fun day at Craghead on Friday, it will encourage parents of youngsters under four to get involved in outdoor activities.

With 300 families linked to each Sure Start Scheme, it could reach thousands of youngsters in its target areas.

As well as improving the children's health, Greenstart aims to help them learn skills, to learn about the natural environment and forge links between their local parks and countryside.

Ideas for the project are coming from the families themselves and could include setting up children's allotments, discovery trails, children's woodlands and turning derelict open spaces into adventure and play parks.

Norma Baillie, health worker for Sure Start Wear Valley which covers St Helen Auckland, Henknowle and Woodhouse Close, said: "Parents are reluctant to take their children out now because of safety issues.

"We want to give them the chance of exploring nature and all the fun that goes with being outside in a safe environment with high quality equipment.

"Parents have come up with a range of ideas and we will be working with them to put them into practice."

Sure Start Wear Valley East, which covers Willington and Coundon, is also included in the initiative.

Debbie Ingoldsby, GreenStart co-ordinator based at Groundwork West Durham said: "The programme is very exciting.

"Families will have a say in what activities and projects will be developed and they will be designed to meet their needs and those of their children."

GreenStart is a pilot project funded by the Countryside Agency's React programme and developed in partnership with Greening for Growth as well as Groundwork and Sure Start.