BOLTON is working hard to give its children a better start in life.

It has been well reported that youngsters from disadvantaged areas often experience difficulties in their formative years.

But Bolton Council has announced a £1.3 million development at Tonge Moor Primary School, which will offer free nursery education, childcare and a range of health services.

The council received £2.3 million from the Government last year to develop centres in disadvantaged areas and the new facility, which could be open by 2006, will be the sixth of its type in the borough.

Education and health are the two most important issues in a child's pre-school life and centres such as the one planned for Tonge Moor will enable more children to develop into responsible citizens.

The centre will not just benefit the children and parents who use it, but will help create a brighter future for the town in general.