A ROSSENDALE voluntary group which has applied for lottery funding to help provide out-of-school childcare provision for working parents is hoping for some good news early in the New Year.

The project was put together by members of Stacksteads Riverside Park Group after research revealed a lack of provision available for working parents in the area.

They have applied for lottery funding to give the scheme a kick-start. It includes providing a breakfast club, which would allow children to attend before school and be safely accompanied to classes.

Under the plans, youngsters would also be collected after school and looked after until parents collect them. There would also be a holiday club, which would operate through school holidays on an all-day basis.

The clubs will be operated to a National Standards and reflect the best possible practice and quality.

Paul Sanford, a volunteer at the Drop-in-Centre, said: "We are working in partnership with local schools because we have found out that there is quite a significant demand in this area for an after-schools provision.

"Working parents need as much help as possible and we want to be able to provide a quality service which parents will feel confident in using.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that we will be able to offer this service, which will be unique to the area."

Funding should be decided by February 2003.

If parents require any further information they should contact the staff at the Drop-in Centre, 316 Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, any weekday from 9am to 1pm, or contact 01706 875325.