BOLTON West MP, Ruth Kelly took time out to visit a Lostock After School Club and congratulate its work.

"This is just the type of scheme the Government wants to encourage," said Ruth.

The "Schools Out" club, run by Joy Pennington, winner of 1992 National Carer Award, operates from Lostock Parish Centre providing a place for children to play while parents are working during the evenings and school holidays.

Ruth, also the patron of local childcare organisation BABOOSCA, said: "Good affordable childcare like 'Schools Out' early on in a child's life is essential. Evidence clearly shows it leads to better educational and employment prospects later on in life."

During the visit, Ruth discussed the Government's National Childcare Strategy, hoped to be kick-started next month, which she claims "recognises the importance of childcare".

It includes resources to fund an extra million child care places nationwide.

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