AN open evening is to be held where parents can find out more about a childcare service at a school.

St John Vianney RC Primary School, in King Oswy Drive, Hartlepool, is holding the event on Tuesday, from 6pm to 8pm.

It is proposing to launch a day nursery for babies and children up to the age of three, the only school-based service of its kind in the town.

The nursery will operate from 7.45am to 5.45pm, Monday to Friday, and will also be open during school holidays.

Charges will be £21 per full day, and £10.50 per half day. It will be open to both Catholic and non-Catholic children from any part of the town.

The service is in addition to the wrap-around package of care provided for youngsters aged three to 11 at the school.

Headteacher John Hardy said: "This is an exciting venture for us. It means we will be able to offer families in the town quality childcare from birth to the age of 11 in the safe and caring environment of the St John Vianney learning community."

The nursery will have 24 places for children under two, and a further 24 places for children aged two to three. It is to be launched at the beginning of next month.