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A scheme to help mums-be-be and small children stay healthy is to be launched in South Tyneside next week.

Healthy Start is a national initiative which the Council is rolling out across the Borough. Free Healthy Start vitamins can be claimed by women who are at least ten weeks pregnant and for children under the age of four.

Deputy Leader with responsibility for Independence and Wellbeing, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said: "Even with a balanced diet, it can be difficult to get all the nutrients you need, especially at certain times in your life, such as during pregnancy, as a new mum or as a small child.

 "Vitamins are essential nutrients that support healthy growth and development so we are delighted to be able to offer these to families as part of our aim of giving every child the best start in life."

The Healthy Start vitamin tablets for women and new mums contain folic acid and vitamins C and D.

The drops for children contain vitamins A, C and D and are for children who are having less than one pint of infant formula a day.

The vitamins can be collected from the Maternity-Led Birthing Centre at South Tyneside Hospital or from Boldon, Horsley Hill, Primrose or Riverside Children's Centres by appointment only. Appointments are available between 10am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday.

For safety reasons, people are encouraged to collect the vitamins on their own if possible, wear a face covering and maintain social distancing,

To make an appointment, call one of the numbers below:

Maternity Led Birthing Unit - 0191 404 1033

Boldon Children's Centre - 0191 519 5920

Horsley Hill Children's Centre - 0191 456 9404

Primrose Children's Centre - 0191 424 4900

Riverside Children's Centre - 0191 423 4971