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Work to increase the number of residential places for South Tyneside's looked-after children got underway this week.

Preliminary works have now started at Seton Avenue in South Shields where a new Assessment Centre is to be built.

Councillor Adam Ellison, Lead Member for Children and Families' Social Care cut the first sod at the site which will house the centre which will offer overnight support on a short term basis for up to two children undergoing assessment.

Work on a new children's home in Grant Street, Jarrow, will get underway very shortly, followed by a further children's home in Hebburn New Town.

Once complete, these developments will almost triple the number of placements for looked-after children.

Councillor Ellison said: "As is the case for most councils, we have been challenged with regard to a lack of residential places for our looked-after children so I'm delighted to see us meeting this issue head-on.

"We are absolutely committed to giving all our young people the best start in life. For those children who can't be with their birth family, it is important their lives remain as stable as possible and that means them living in the place they call home, close to their family, school and friends."

Speaking on behalf of the main contractor appointed to deliver the schemes, Surgo Construction, the firm's pre-construction director, Martin Blight said: "We are delighted to have this further opportunity to work with Â鶹ÊÓƵ and to build on our successful working relationship to deliver these much-needed facilities. We look forward to collaborating with the project team to ensure that we deliver buildings that the council can be proud of."

The Council is always looking for new foster carers. Anyone interested in fostering is asked to visit or contact a fostering officer on (0191) 423 8500 or email fostering@southtyneside.gov.uk