Thousands of youngsters across the Spen Valley are set to benefit from the creation of five pioneering children's centres.

Fourteen such centres which bring health, education and social services together are already in development in Kirklees.

This next phase would see a massive investment in Spen helping under fives to get the best start in life.

The Council aims to create a children's centre in every community by 2010.

Councillors yesterday agreed to the second phase of the plans for a further 15 centres by 2008.

Of these, four would be created in Spen - in Birkenshaw, Cleckheaton, Liversedge and Gomersal, with one in Heckmondwike. In the final phase another centre is planned for Liversedge and Gomersal.

Coun Geoff Alvy said: "The additional 15 Children's Centres we propose in phase two will not be new, stand-alone buildings. We want to make use of local schools and other centres to provide sustainable services.

"We have assessed where the centres should be located and the need for public investment in them using up to date information about the child population, poverty and access to services.

"This is an important initiative to which the council and its partners are strongly committed."

Sure Start is a Government strategy for young children and families and brings together health services, childcare, early learning and support for parents to give children the best possible start in life.

The Kirklees Early Years Service will provide support for the schools and other groups involved.

Disadvantaged areas were targeted first.

Just under £3.8 million is funded by the DfES Sure Start unit, adding to £6 million in phase one.

In Birkenshaw and Cleckheaton the centres would be based at school sites. In Liversedge and Gomersal no site has been identified. In Heckmondwike the centre would link with existing private and community provision.

Local consultation with head teachers and governing bodies begins this month.

As previously reported Bradford is set to get up to 33 similar centres. The first phase will see 18 centres created, following a Government grant of £7.3 million.