THE official launch of Pendle Sure Start will take place next week.

The idea is to introduce and promote the range of services being offered to families under the age of four in the Bradley and Whitefield ward areas of Nelson.

Residents of those areas are invited to a series of four meetings to meet staff, to ask questions about the scheme and to express their views.

There will be plenty of things to keep the youngsters occupied including a magic show, bouncy castle, henna painting, face painting, a fire engine, children's baking, music and much more.

Four different community venues have been chosen for the launch week:

Tuesday, Silverman Hall, 11.30am to 3.30pm

Wednesday, Charles Street, 11.30am to 3.30pm

Thursday, St Mary's Parish Church, noon to 3.30pm

Friday, Hodge House community centre, 12.30pm to 3.30pm

The Sure Start scheme is a Government initiative to provide services for families with children aged under four.