FAMILIES in Redditch are set to benefit from a crop of new Sure Start centres thanks to a slice of a £7.9 million cash boost.

The Government funds will be used to create the new family centres in the 23 most deprived areas of the county, which includes parts of Redditch.

Sure Start works with parents, carers and local organisations to give children the best start in life and is a Government-funded organisation.

It has recently been proposed Worcestershire County Council will take over general responsibility for Sure Start centres from the Government.

Becky Willets, capital project manager for Sure Start Redditch, explained the county would decide which areas in Worcestershire could benefit from this type of service.

"Redditch will be included in this," she said.

Last Tuesday, Redditch councillors gave the thumbs-up to plans to create a £230,000 Sure Start centre at Oakhill First School in Wirehill Drive, Lodge Park

"I am really pleased and we are looking forward to developing the service there," she added.

"Building work will start as soon as all the paperwork is complete and we have put the work out to tender."

Last month, plans were unveiled for a £400,000 Sure Start Centre at St Stephen's First School, Mabey Avenue, Riverside.

There are also proposals for a service at St George's Centre in Stevenson Avenue.

Already established Sure Start facilities in Redditch are at the Sandycroft Centre in Smallwood and the Batchley Neighbourhood Nursery.