A PROJECT will be launched tomorrow aimed at reducing the above-average rate of child deaths in Pendle.

The Health Awareness Project for Pendle Infants has attracted £45,000 of European cash following research by police officers and the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death (FSID).

It aims to cut the death rate for children, particularly the under-twos, by raising awareness among parents of how to safeguard their youngsters' health.

According to figures from the East Lancashire Public Health Authority, Pendle had 11.5 deaths of children under one per 1,000 live births between 1999 and 2001.

This is more than double the national average of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 births during the same period, though the figures can fluctuate significantly because of the relatively small numbers involved.

Ways to drive down the rate of infant mortality were examined by Detective Chief Inspector Dave Brian and Inspector Jeff Brown, who put together a bid for funding for the new project.

The three-year initiative will bring together the Pendle Community Safety Partnership, the FSID and Sure Start, the Government project to support families with children under four.

The two people leading the project will be PC Karen Fitzpatrick, the local authority liaison officer for Pendle, and Mikala Dawson of the FSID.

PC Fitzpatrick said: "The project is a three year initiative allowing a number of agencies to work together with the aim of reducing the number of deaths.

"It is not just about cot death, though that is a factor, but about home safety, car safety, water safety, drink, drugs and a whole range of issues."

Mikala said: "We are planning a number of open days throughout Pendle giving advice and support to parents, family members and carers.

"There will be advice and support for parents, parents-to-be and any family member or friend who has an interest in childcare.

"The aim is to reduce the number of deaths in the age group by the end of the project."

The first open day for the project will be held tomorrow at the Byron Road Community Centre, Colne, from 11am to 3pm.