A HOME-VISITING service for children with developmental difficulties and their families has been launched.

The Darlington Portage Service, which offers support to parents and carers of pre-school age children, is helping up to 20 families at any time.

It is registered with the National Portage Association and has been launched at Harewood House, off Harewood Grove.

Service workers make weekly home visits, helping parents and carers to support their child's learning.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "This is an invaluable service for many families in the Darlington borough and I hope to see it go from strength to strength in the future."

Parents and carers wanting to use the service can contact (01325) 388840.