TWO parents helped into work by one of Darlington's children's centres are offering support to other families.

John Pearson and Shiria Begum were both regular visitors to the McNay Street Children's Centre when they were offered jobs helping other parents.

The centre is one of four in Darlington, with two more planned to open by 2008.

They provide childcare, early learning facilities and heath and family support services in the most disadvantaged areas.

Single parent Mr Pearson began to use the services at McNay Street, quickly becoming a member of the parents' group, helping to arrange activities and outings for families.

He is also now the fathers' development worker at the centre, encouraging other fathers to take advantage of McNay Street's services. He is also taking an NVQ in childcare.

Mrs Begum started visiting the children's centre as a member of the Bengali Ladies' Asha group, which held weekly exercise and cookery classes, but has now taken over the position of ethnic community worker.

Mrs Begum also works closely with health visitors at the centre as a translator.

Darlington's other children's centres are: Skerne Park Children's Centre, in the new Skerne Park Primary School; Mount Pleasant Children's Centre, at Mount Pleasant Primary School; and Maidendale Children's Centre, in Maidendale Village, Firthmoor.

For information, call 0800 9172121 or log on to www. darlington.childrencentres.org