Parents of three-year-olds in West Sussex have been promised free nursery care as part of a Government scheme.

The move will affect families living across the county.

From September, all youngsters will be eligible for a funded nursery education place the term after their third birthday.

The county council is using money allocated by the Government's Nursery Education Grant.

Sally Greenwell, Cabinet member for education and the arts, said: "This is a very positive step forward in our aim to provide top-class early education for our youngest residents.

"I hope all parents with toddlers will find out about the benefits that this grant enables the county council to offer their children."

The Government has made free nursery places for all three-year-olds one of its long-term targets to ensure youngsters have access to good quality early education.

The Nursery Education Grant pays for up to five two-and-a-half hour sessions per week at a registered day nursery, pre-school or playgroup.

All establishments that are registered with the county council to receive the grant have to plan activities and experiences that help children progress in their development and learning.

For more information about the nursery education grant, ring the Children's Information Service on 01243 777807.