A NATIONWIDE pioneering scheme aimed an encouraging gym slip mums back to work or study is to be launched in Blackpool.

The pilot Teen Parent Project will offer young parents, aged 19 or under, free childminding while they work or study.

The National Childminding Association's network manager hopes that by providing highly-trained and dedicated carers young parents can trust, more young mums and dads will be encouraged back to the workplace or to their studies, either on a part-time or full-time basis.

Project manager Lynne Taylor said: "Teenage parents are young but they are still parents and they have to think long and hard about leaving their children.

"This scheme offers Blackpool's teen parents an informed choice over professional childcare. By making it free of charge we are removing a significant barrier to young people who want to work or study to make a better future for themselves and their children."

The childminders chosen for the project, which is also being launched in three other areas of the country, are called Children Come First network childminders.

The scheme is funded by the Department for Education and Skills and the European Social Fund.

Anyone wishing to find out more, should call the Blackpool network co-ordinator Sue on 01253 293001.