AN organisation providing a helping hand to families in one of the country's most deprived areas looks looks like getting a permanent home of its own.

The SureStart project at Easington Colliery has been operating its childcare and parenting support services from temporary office accommodation in Peterlee's Lee House.

Now, the Government- backed group has applied for planning permission to build premises at Easington Colliery Primary School in the village's Whickham Street.

Although the application has to go before Durham County Council next week, officers at the authority have already recommended approval. So hopes are high in the east Durham SureStart project that it could soon have its own Children's Centre.

At the new quarters, 16 full-time and 24 part-time staff are to be employed. It would be open from 8am to 6pm each weekday.

Once completed, the new Children's Centre will offer family support and parental outreach facilities.

There will also be a provision for early years education for babies and children until they reach school age and child daycare provision for working parents or those who are training for work.

In addition, there will be child and family health services that will include ante-natal advice, and broad-based support and information for parents.

There will be help available for parents with children who have special needs.

A link with Jobcentre Plus will be provided to encourage parents considering training and employment, and there will be a base for childminders.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for Durham County Council's children's services, said yesterday: "We are very excited at the proposed extension of the first-class facilities Easington Primary School now provides through the provision of this SureStart development.

"It will meet the educational, social and health needs of parents and children, aged up to three, in the Easington Colliery area, which is one of the most deprived wards in the country.''