DOZENS of parents flocked to an open day to find out how they could benefit from a £1 million boost for young children in a deprived area of Southampton.

The project, called Sure Start, aims to give youngsters under four the best beginning in life by providing childcare, training and play.

Derek Oswald, the city council' community involvement team area manager, said the event was a success.

He said: "About 30 parents with toddlers attended to see how Sure Start could help them.

"This was part of the process of spreading the word about the initiative.

"We had many representatives from organisations who provide services and support for families, from pre-school care to parent and toddler groups.

"The organisations benefited from talking to each other and finding out how to improve their services.

"There was also a toy library because under Sure Start the existing scheme at Weston Shore Infants School will be expanded. The project will also provide local training opportunities for parents who want to learn skills."

He said building work for Sure Start's £500,000 base at the infants school, Foxcott Close, should begin in June.

Weston library opens see Neighbourhood News on page 20.

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