CHILDREN'S groups from across Sunderland gathered for the local launch of a £3.9m Government initiative.

Organisations catering for children aged five to 13 and their families attended the launch of the Sunderland Children's Fund, at the Sunderland Marriot Hotel, in Seaburn.

They found out about new services for young families being funded through a Government initiative.

The Sunderland fund has already paid for three family fun days in Millfield, Houghton-le-Spring and Marley Potts, where parents learned about the new services.

They included diary rooms, where children were able to voice their concerns.

Among those present at yesterday's launch were youngsters who have contributed to the newsletter Infinity, whose first edition was published ahead of the event.

It will now be distributed to all five to 13 year-olds living in the Millfield, Coalfield and north areas of Sunderland.