A £100,000 boost for out-of-school clubs will provide hundreds of extra childcare places in Darlington.

Five clubs have been awarded Government funding through the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) to increase the number of childcare places in the town.

The money will provide 401 additional childcare places for children aged between three and 14 during school and holiday time.

The clubs decided to bid for the funding in February with the help of the Darlington Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP), which works to improve childcare in the area.

The money was awarded as part of a three-year, countrywide Government initiative to increase childcare places in out-of-school clubs.

Grants were awarded to projects in the UK that focused on health, education and the environment, especially those working in more disadvantaged areas of the country.

The additional places in Darlington will be available before and after school, at weekends and during the holidays. They are open to families who at present do not send their children to after school clubs.

Diane Ward, of the EYDCP, said: "The money will provide substantial assistance for people who are unable to access childcare places at the moment."

She added that the partnership was hoping to increase the number of childcare places again in the future.

The five clubs allocated a share of the £100,000 funding in Darlington are: Funtime Childcare Trust Centre, Kiddies Corner, the Kids and Co and Borough Road Partnership, Raventhorpe Preparatory School Trust and the Academy of Playcare Education and Training.

They provide a variety of activities, including early education for toddlers, and sports and crafts.

The £100,000 will fund 131 new holiday places, 101 before school places, 119 after school, 32 weekend and 18 places for before and after school care.

For further details about childcare places call Barbara Kisby on (01325) 388820.