TWO new projects have been set up in Lancashire to help disabled children and their families.

Lancashire County Council launched a new "Database" and "Directory" for children with disabilities at the Woodlands Conference Centre, Chorley, yesterday.

The Database replaces the Register of Children with Disabilities which all councils are required to compile by law.

The new Database, say council chiefs, has been designed to make it more obvious what support can be offered to children and their families to make their lives easier.

A co-ordinator has been employed by the council to ensure the Database is regularly updated.

The Directory -- called FIND, standing for Family Information Network Directory -- is a publication which includes information for parents about a wide range of statutory and voluntary organisations operating in this field of work.

Speakers at yesterday's launch included parents, health, education and social workers.

County Coun Chris Cheetham, cabinet member for social services, said: "These two new initiatives will make lives much easier for parents seeking help from social services, health and education, or for those wanting to get in touch with the voluntary sector.

"The launch itself will give people the chance to look at the new services and talk about how they can be used to promote services for the benefit of children.

"I am sure many families will be able to access the database and FIND and use the information there to improve their quality of life."