A SCHEME offering support to inner city families has celebrated its first anniversary with an initiative to ensure people have photographs of their children.

Hundreds of families throughout the city centre will be given cameras by the Sure Start Scheme, to allow them to capture memories of their children as they grow up.

The government-funded Sure Start Scheme provides advice and help to parents of young children on issues such as health, education and personal and family development.

The £6m scheme, due to last for ten years, also provides much-needed centres for families to attend where they can chat with other parents and see health and social advisors.

A spokesman for Sure Start said: "We are giving away free cameras. Many families don't have cameras of their own, and are unable to take keepsake pictures of their children.

"Films will be processed free of charge - and plans are being considered for an exhibition of the photographs.

"The scheme aims to improve health, education, recreation and social opportunities for children aged under four. Among its activities are organising and co-ordinating play sessions, creating new children's groups and activities, parenting classes, health and education."

The scheme was started a year ago and so far covers Holyrood, Northam, Newtown/Nicholson, Golden Grove and Kingsland. Next on the agenda is to open four new Sure Start centres across the city - providing a base for meetings, health advice and childcare.

The anniversary launch was held at the new Saints ground and was attended by local MPs John Denham and Alan Whitehead. Mr Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, said: "I am delighted that families living in the city centre will now benefit from this latest scheme.

"Hundreds of families in Weston have already gained from the improved education, childcare and health services."