A scheme designed to improve the health and well being of families and children has been launched in Swindon with a spectacular day of fun .

Children, parents and carers from across the town enjoyed face painting, live shows and games when Sure Start got off the ground on Saturday.

Youngsters enjoyed a bouncy castle, magician and puppet show while adults found out more about the scheme.

The Sure Start scheme plays a vital role in the government's plan to end child poverty in Britain.

Backed by £452 million of government money, the national strategy aims to give children a head start before they start school.

The government hopes that by 2002 there will be more than 250 schemes in neighbourhoods across the country.

The programme, launched from Pine-hurst People's Centre, will work with local parents and parents-to-be to ensure there is access to support and to give advice on parenthood.

It also aims to promote early learning to improve children's life chances.

Project coordinator Adina Grace said: "I thought the day was marvellous.

"I was really pleased with the number of parents, children and grandparents present and would like to say a big thank you."

Schemes are already active in Bristol, Glouc-ester and Read- ing.

More information of Sure Start, call Adina Grace on 716808.