DARWEN'S Sure Start centre is to be used as a blueprint for success at providing services for young children and their families.

Education and Skills Secretary Charles Clarke and Children's Minister Margaret Hodge designated the Sudell and Central Darwen service as a Sure Start Children's centre and said it would "act as a model" for other areas.

The Government has earmarked 33 Sure Start centres from across the country as Children's Centres and Darwen is one of the few outside London.

They must provide services for early education, childcare, health, family support and help into employment in one easy-access place.

Darwen's £1.2million centre in Lord Street, which opened earlier this year, provides a vast array of services to different groups in the town, ranging from pregnant mums to toddlers and dads, and has attracted praise for its work from MP Janet Anderson and local councillors.

Margaret Hodge said: "We have named the best joined-up early years services as children's centres and they will act as a model to transform future provision for young people and families.

"I want to see professionals working together more closely so they can give better support. The children's centres show ways in which our joined-up approach will be delivered on the ground to children and families."

Sunnyhurst councillor Sue Reid, chairman of Darwen Sure Start, said: "It's fantastic that we have gained national recognition for this scheme."

Coun Reid helped locate the service in its initial stages. She added: "We knew we could make it work in Darwen and we did a lot of work with parents and staff to make a real difference to people's lives.

"The Darwen scheme has influenced early learning throughout the borough and there are now five other Sure Start schemes up and running, although Darwen is the only one to be completed as yet."

MP Mrs Anderson said: "Sure Start was an excellent addition to Darwen last year and I'm delighted that it has gained such positive recognition for all its great work. It is thoroughly deserved."