NEW parents are to be given advice on everything from babysitting to bullying and drug abuse in a bid to protect the county's children.

A new handbook, giving tips to parents of newborns and youngsters about to start school, has been launched in Clayton-le-Moors.

More than 35,000 copies of the Lancashire Safe Parenting Handbook, have been produced by the county council -- with more to follow if the scheme is a success.

County Councillor Clive Grunshaw, cabinet member of children and families, and Gill Rigg, chair of the Lancashire Area Child Protection Committee(ACPC), were at the launch.

Coun Grunshaw said: "It's hoped the book can give some advice and information to help parents and guardians feel their way through the maze of issues and advice.

The booklet, launched at the Silver Birches Family Support Centre, Atlas Street, yesterday will be distributed to parents from next month through local organisations including primary schools, doctors and hospitals.

The Lancashire ACPC is made up of the county council's social services and education directorates, the probation service, local health trusts, the police and the NSPCC. Their aim is to educate and raise awareness of issues affecting children and families, and to reduce accidents and serious incidents.

Gill Rigg, chairman of the group, said: "It provides a range of advice on common problems that all parents are likely to face, giving them common sense advice on how to deal with things."