WORK has started on facilities to help young families on a revamped Sunderland estate.

The £250,000 extension to Pennywell Nursery School, one of only two nurseries in the country to win beacon status, will bring the school and a social services nursery together.

It will be renamed the Pennywell Early Years Centre, and will include therapy, medical and observation rooms and space for children with physical disabilities and learning difficulties.

The extension is being funded through the third round of the Single Regeneration Budget, and by Sunderland City Council's education and social services departments.

The extension is due to be completed in June.

Youngsters who attend the community nursery in the building will be taught at Quarry View Infant School.

Norma Hardy, the head of Sunderland council's early years and child care services, said: "Bringing the nurseries together means that education and child care services in the area will be more integrated, with two sets of working practices combined to support children and their families in the best way.

Karon Purvis, assistant coordinator for the area's regeneration project, said: "Improving education is a priority for the programme whether this is primary, secondary or, in this case, nursery provision.

"The Pennywell Early Years Centre will provide high quality nursery education, while also improving children's ability to learn at primary school level."

The estate is undergoing a big facelift, which is designed to improve the environment, tackle crime and improve job opportunities.