THE future of an accident prevention scheme for pre-school children has been secured thanks to funding.

The initiative, which provides free safety equipment to first-time parents in Easington district, was launched for a five-year period.

Now Easington Primary Care Trust has agreed to make the project permanent by taking over the funding.

The scheme, which makes available equipment including fireguards, stair gates, and smoke alarms, is operated by Easington District Council and East Durham Homes.

Karen Smith, healthy communities collaborative manager for the trust, said: "Accidents within the home are among the biggest causes of death and injury to pre-school children.

"Hopefully, by encouraging parents to remove potential hazards this scheme can help reduce the number of children hurt and injured at home.''

Organisers are looking for venues to act as collection points and are particularly interested in increasing availability in the Seaham, Blackhall, Haswell and Shotton areas. Anyone who can help source venues is asked to ring 0191-554 5724