A NEW service to help parents has been launched following the success of a newsletter in Helmshore -- its has been expanded to the internet.

The website has been launched by Rossendale Family Forum to give parents information and the chance to play a role in future developments for the borough.

It includes pages of information including a directory, helpline number, support groups, education and health information, a what's on guide and a parents networking page for parents to speak to other parents in the borough.

Alyson Cadd, who has led the development of Rossendale Family Forum, said: "For the first time parents and carers in the area will be able to access a wide range of independent information through our directory of helplines. They can also network with each other through the site noticeboard -- there is noting like the support of others who are in the same boat."

During the next two years the forum will train a group of volunteers to help run a variety of community projects.

Alyson added: "Parents need to deal with so many things that can affect family life these days. Often just getting the right information from the right people is a problem in itself."

Alyson wants anyone with a useful contact or website to let others know about it via the website at www.rossendalefamilyforum.org.uk