No lessons are normally given to people on how to be a good parent of youngsters from childhood to adulthood.

But the £2 million On Track scheme in Portslade aims to do just that over the next seven years.

While there is more prosperity around for most people these days, it does not always feel that way in parts of Portslade, which has plenty of social deprivation.

When parents are facing a financial struggle, looking after children is not easy, especially if there are other personal problems in the family.

These days, parents cannot always find suitable help for their children if they are going out to work.

It's much better if these difficulties can be sorted out early on, before they degenerate in some cases into crime and addiction.

Portslade has a good sense of community and there are people willing to lend a hand either through On Track or more informally.

It also concentrates on the needs of the children who face problems ranging from bullying at school to difficulties with their parents.

If On Track works, it should be possible to transfer it to other areas and eventually leave a solid enough framework so the community can largely help itself.

Sorting out family ructions as a priority should stop a lot of social problems, which have bedevilled parts of Portslade and many other communities in Sussex.