A scheme set up in Jaywick to help parents and children has been praised in Parliament.

Harwich MP Ivan Henderson paid tribute to the work being done by Sure Start and hailed it as major success during Prime Minister's question time in the House of Commons.

Tony Blair gave his support to the programme and promised more cash would be made available if possible.

Mr Henderson recently visited Sure Start in West Clacton at its Jaywick base.

Mr Blair said Sure Start was currently helping about 400,000 of the most disadvantaged children around the country and accepted that it should be extended where possible.

"It's has been of enormous importance, not just to children. It has helped a lot of parents as well," he said.

Published Monday January 19, 2004

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