A SCHEME that helps young children in villages around Durham has moved into newly-built premises.

Brandon and Deerness Valley SureStart is now based in Durham Road, Ushaw Moor, and its new home has been opened by Lady Ann Calman, chairwoman of the Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust.

The centre offers services such as childcare, family support, a library, speech and language therapy, ante-natal care and breast feeding support.

SureStart is a Government initiative that aims to give children under the age of four a better start in life by improving services.

Lady Calman said: "The new SureStart premises are absolutely wonderful.

"They are well equipped and ensure that every child has access to integrated pre-school education and childcare of the highest quality.

"The facilities on the premises are second to none and will ensure that those caring for children within the villages of Brandon and the Deerness Valley will have access accredited training programmes."