A NEW child care group for "little monkeys" is to open just in time for the summer holidays in East Durham.

Chimps, based at the Youth and Community Centre in Horden, was set up with the help of a £28,000 grant from the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund. Providing professional child care for children aged four to 14 throughout the school holidays and after school, the cooperative will create four permanent jobs.

Pauline Bennett, who like the other three mothers running the group has lived in Horden most of her life, said: "We got into this through having kids of our own.

"We realised that there was nothing in Horden for them. We have been involved with mother and toddler groups and play schemes, but about 18 months ago we decided to go all out for starting something more permanent. Our aim has been to provide a happy, stimulating environment for the children and peace of mind for the parents. It's called Chimps because children can be little monkeys sometimes."

When it opens, on July 24, activities will include a wide range of sports and games, arts and crafts, face painting, computers and organised trips to local places of interest every Wednesday during the summer holidays.

Durham Co-operative Development Association gave the group training and business planning and the grant was secured by TARKA Ltd on behalf of the County Durham Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership.

Parents can book places in Chimps by calling Pauline on 0191-518 0843.