VIRTUAL babies are being used to educate young people in County Durham in the joys and pain of parenthood.

The ten computer-controlled babies are just like the real thing - they cry, and need to be fed and have their nappies changed.

Each unit keeps a record of how well the young person cares for his or her charge.

The baby-sitting courses are the latest initiative from Durham County Council's Education in the Community initiative.

They are proving so successful that more community youth leaders and volunteers are having to be instructed in how to deliver the training.

Senior worker with Education in the Community, Gillie Littlemore, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the success of the project. Many young people think it is a great idea to have a baby, but once they have been given the responsibility of looking after a virtual baby for 24 hours, most soon go off the idea.

"Because they are complicated machines, we have to provide training for youth workers who will deliver the babysitting courses."

Babies used for the course are a mixture of ethnic types and include boys and girls.

The next course will be held at Stanley Youth Centre, Tyne Road, Stanley, on March 24, from 10am to 3pm.

The training course is open to anyone working with young people in the community.

To book a place contact Gillie Littlemore on (01207) 232186.