Sure Start play vans up and running in West Northumberland

The mobile play vans are packed with specialist equipment and materials enabling staff to more effectively support the most isolated communities.

Each multi-purpose vehicle contains toys, books and play equipment as well as internet access. Once stationary, ramps can be fitted to the vans to make them fully accessible.

They also feature retractable awnings and sliding doors and can be used as a base for play sessions for children as well as information points for parents and carers.

Jonathan Brown, senior learning and development adviser for Northumberland County Council, said: "This is the final part of the jigsaw in Northumberland. We are now able to deliver a universal service for all families across the county. For those children who are unable to get to a children's centre we can take the children's centre to them."

Coun Lesley Rickerby, executive member for children's services, said: "This service first operated in Berwick and due to its success and popularity we decided to use our Government grant to extend it across the county.

"I think the bright colours and the eye-catching design of the vans will appeal to both children and adults and I'm sure they will provide a much- needed service to families in Northumberland."

Working with Northumberland-based Flashlight Films, a DVD has been produced for new parents to see the wide range of services that parents of children under five can access through the children's centres in west Northumberland.

Parents can watch the DVD from the comfort of their own home and find out everything that children's centres can offer as well as getting an inside view of the centres themselves.

The Hexham Photographic Society have helped Sure Start West put together six information banners, again for use at outreach bases and events such as summer fetes, carnivals and the Picnic in the Park on the Sele, which last year attracted more than 1,000 children all aged up to five.

Further details about Sure Start provision can be found at www.westchildrenscentres.org.uk or by phoning 01434 604837.

Read Ian Brown of Flashlight Films' blog on ourHaltwhistle website »