FOUR local communities joined to celebrate the first birthday of a project to help the youngest members of society.

SureStart is designed to improve the quality of services for children under four, promote community involvement and improve children's social development. Services include a toy library, encouraging community groups and providing job opportunities for those who work with young children.

Celebrations at Little Dolphins Rugby Club in Tyldesley marked the annivesrary of Sure Start in Shakerley, Tyldesley, Astley and Hindsford. Children enjoyed stories, face painting and Punch and Judy shows. Among the guests was the Mayor of Wigan Cllr Wilf Brogan, who was impressed by what he saw.

"Everyone seems genuinely thrilled to bits with SureStart. It's a first class scheme," he said.

"It's a great idea. Toys are so expensive and children can get fed up with them quickly. This way parents can borrow toys for a small fee, and return it when the child gets bored."

SureStart is always looking for new members -- information from the Drop-in Centre at 181 Elliott Street, Tyldesley.