A PROJECT is being launched to help north Bexley youngsters to a healthier and more successful lifestyle.

The charity Sure Start will receive a £5.5m government grant over the next 10 years for its North Bexley Plan, which will cover part of Thamesmead East, Lower Belvedere and Erith town centre.

Every family with children under the age of four and all pregnant women in the area will be invited to take part in the project.

They will receive a home visitor who will be on hand to support, advise and help families make the most of the opportunities available to them and help parents and carers become more actively involved in their children's lives.

The project will concentrate on health, play, learning and social skills so as to enable children to achieve their real potential when they get to school.

Two new drop-in centres for carers and toddlers will be opening soon at Greenmead, in Thamesmead, and Larner Road, Erith.

They will be open every day providing high quality play and learning experiences, a safety equipment loan scheme and a toy library.

There will also be access to a midwife, speech and language therapist.