AN organisation which helps parents with young children has been given the funding to launch a new scheme in Mid Cheshire.

Home-Start Vale Royal is part of a national voluntary organ-isation offering free, informal, friendly support to under-pressure parents with at least one child under five.

The charity has secured the £160,000 needed to fund the Vale Royal scheme for the next three years.

Bosses anticipate it will cost £85,907 in the first year and have enlisted the financial support from Central Cheshire Primary Care Trust, The Big Lottery Fund, The Henry Smith Charity, Lloyds TSB and social services and also have received donations from well-wishers.

The Vale Royal branch will cover Northwich, Winsford and the surrounding areas, including Barnton, Lostock, Wincham and Whitegate.

Marguerite Youngs, chairwoman of Home-Start Vale Royal said the scheme will be operating within six months.

She said: 'We will be advertising for an organiser and then recruiting and training volunteers.

'We have got six months from now to find and train people.'

The trained volunteers offer support, friendship and practical help to families who are referred to the scheme.

A referral can come from anyone, and then they are matched to a suitable volunteer.

Marguerite added: 'It is great for the area that Home-Start is starting in Vale Royal.

'Our main aim is to support young families and provide an invaluable service.

'We offer low key volunteer support for families under crisis for any reason.'

The group is holding its AGM today to progress the scheme.