HEALTHIER lifestyles for children will be funded by a lottery grant of almost £10,000, it has been announced.

Accrington Road children's centre and Audley and Queen's Park children's centre, both in Blackburn, will share a £9,405 grant.

Part of the funding will be spent on training parents, volunteers and staff in the delivery of physical activities.

The rest will buy extra equipment and storage facilities.

A funding bid was submitted to the Big Lottery Fund by The School Sports Partnership, a body which works with schools to develop and promote physical education.

Lisa Coultherd, head of Audley and Queen's Park children's centre, said: "Regular physical play activities supported by appropriately trained staff, who understand the developmental needs of young children, is crucial and very much at the heart of the work we do in children's centre.

Coun Chris Thayne, executive member for children's services, said: "Learning new skills and extending participation in this way will be beneficial to parents and children alike.

"The approach can only support a healthier attitude amongst children and families to health and fitness."

A celebration day is planned for tomorrow.