YOUNG families in parts of Ribbleton are set to benefit from a £1.4million scheme to help their children have a good start.

The Government's new Sure Start programme will see community workers going out into the Fishwick and St Matthew's areas giving parents advice on how to raise their children, covering topics such as education, diet and health.

The scheme came about after members of the local community teamed up in a special partnership to ask residents what they thought could be done to help their children.

The money will be filtered by the Government over three years -- but more cash could be available when the partnership comes up with further ideas for the Sure Start programme.

Mark Hendrick, MP for Preston, said: "I am delighted that the programme has worked so well and that the Government is showing its commitment to young families in Preston by providing a bumper cash contribution of £1.4 million to my constituents in Fishwick and St Matthew's.

"These additional funds will ensure even greater success for the programme in the future. The partnership can be proud that all its hard work will be making real improvements to families in the community. I'm looking forward to giving it my continuing full support."

The scheme is part of a Government plan to improve the welfare of youngsters through encouraging them to learn.

In a letter to Mr Hendrick, Estelle Morris, secretary of state for education and skills, said: "The partnership can now start to roll out its services to 825 children under four and their families living in the area and, in doing so, contribute to the Government's aims of improving the health and well-being of families and young children and supporting parents to nurture and care for their children and develop their readiness to learn."