A GROUP of parents and their children have passed a ten-week course with flying colours.

The six sets of parents and their youngsters aged up to four years, took part in the Brandon and Deerness Valley Sure Start programme called Early Start.

The fun scheme was devised to give parents advice, training and support to help them develop their children's language and communication skills.

Health, care and education services worked with the group.

During the course, parents were helped by an adult tutor from County Durham Education in the Community team, while the children were entertained and guided by early years specialists.

At the end of each session, parents and children joined together for a fun "Joint Time".

Workshops included days out and guest specialist speakers.

Diane Jones, Sure Start programme manager, said: "This programme was one of a number of new initiatives and activities which we have going on.

"The team was delighted to see local parents, families and carers attend.''

At a ceremony yesterday, the children were presented with awards and the adults received course completion certificates.