HUNDREDS more children in Stockton are set to benefit from the Sure Start scheme.

Stockton Borough Council has been chosen by the Government to take part in the sixth phase of the Sure Start programme, due to start next year.

The borough already has four projects which aim to aid the development of children and give them a better start in life.

The council's cabinet will decide next month where in the borough the new scheme will be based.

Education director Stanley Bradford said: "As an authority, we are committed to encouraging lifelong learning and to raising standards in education. Sure Start plays a vital role in this and we are delighted to be invited to set up a fifth scheme in the borough."