SCHOOLCHILDREN from disadvantaged areas across East Lancashire could soon benefit from an increase in the number of government-funded out-of school clubs and childcare places.

The clubs offer a safe place for four to 14-year-olds outside school hours.

They are run in a variety of locations and are often aimed at keeping children off the streets where they may be tempted into crime.

New government research has shown that safe, affordable and reliable childcare in deprived areas has a beneficial impact on the whole community.

Childcare places offer children the best start and support parents to take up work or training.

Now, a new project - Kids' Clubs Mean Business - has been launched to help budding entrepreneurs set up childcare businesses in disadvantaged communities.

Substantial support is now available from the Government, which has put funding into place through National Childcare Strategy, Welfare to Work and Regeneration funds.

Out-of-school childcare has extended rapidly since the Government launched the National Childcare Strategy in 1998.

The number of out-of-school clubs has doubled since 1997 to more than 7,000.