WEST SOMERSET agencies have been invited by the Government to bid for and develop initiatives that improve services for families, it was revealed this week.

The Sure Start programme was introduced by the Government last year as a way of increasing the life chances of children under four through better access to health services, family advice and support, and early education.

There are already 128 similar schemes working up and down the country with the aim to have the programmes reaching over 400,000 children aged under four by 2004.

David Taylor, head of children's services at Somerset County Council's social services department and the lead officer for Early Years in the county, said the project offered a real opportunity to build on the exciting work already being done.

"All those working with parents and children in West Somerset welcome the opportunity to develop a Sure Start programme in the area. "There is already a Sure Start in Bridgwater but the new funding will allow us to develop services in the rural setting.

"Parents in such areas may be isolated and there are often difficulties accessing childcare facilities due to lack of transport.

"We look forward to working in partnership with other statutory agencies, parents, voluntary and community organisations in developing proposals and then establishing services that will really improve the chances in children," said Mr Taylor.

District council chief executive Tim Howes said: "Sure Start is a positive step in the right direction and we welcome the opportunity to bid for this funding alongside our partners.

"It is particularly important in sparsely populated areas like West Somerset to address the issues of child poverty, early learning, health and social exclusion, and the district council will do everything it can to help make it work."

The Government has announced that up to £20 million has been set aside as funding and 66 areas have been offered the chance to develop programmes.

Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett said: "Poverty for the very young can have a lifelong impact. Sure Start is about tackling that head-on.

"Without the help Sure Start is providing, the health of many children will suffer and they stand less chance of developing the emotional and social skills needed to reach their full potential at school."