A PIONEERING project to provide parents with a quality childminding network in East Lancashire has been celebrated at a special event.

Every childminder in Blackburn was invited to join when the scheme got off the ground in April.

Now, 13 founder members have completed the initial assessment process and been accepted on to the Blackburn Childminding Network.

They received their certificates at the Blackburn with Darwen Council Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership Resource Centre, in Mill Lane.

A council spokesperson said: "The network childminders will supply high-quality childcare, support for families, teenage mothers, families under stress and children with special needs."

Coun Dorothy Walsh, lead member for education and lifelong learning, said: "This event recognises both the hard work of childminders in the borough and also the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, who, along with Sure Start, have agreed and work to high standards for childcare.

Cath Topping, network development worker, added: "The response has been amazing. We now have a team of high-quality childminders ready and able to make a difference in our community."