DEDICATED mums in Halliwell have been making sure parents with young children have all the help they need within walking distance of their homes.

And although they were originally paid for carrying out a survey they are so determined their research should continue that they are now working for free!

The "community ambassadors", trained through the Sure Start project, have been questioning families about their concerns and then reporting back to the scheme organisers.

The women were trained in information collation, and set to work visiting venues where parents met, including playgroups, to find out what local people thought could be done to improve Halliwell.

One ambassador, 30-year-old Suzanne Middlebrook, decided she wanted to get involved because she knew all about the problems associated with raising a family in the area.

Suzanne, of Rusheylea Close, Halliwell, has three daughters and was determined to help other mums like herself and so joined the week long training course.

Ambassador group members were paid for the first eight weeks then they decided to continue working on the scheme for nothing because they believe it is so valuable.

Suzanne said: "We have all become dedicated to this and want to continue working to improve things."

The Sure Start project is funded by a £2.4 million Government grant and is designed to improve the quality of life for people with children under the age of four in the Halliwell area.

Suzanne explained: "Often parents don't know where to go for help with their children. Sure Start is bringing experts in to the community."

She is convinced the group of mums was successful in getting parents' views because they were seen as ordinary people.

Suzanne explained: "I think people will talk to us because we are not wearing suits. We just look like ordinary people and we live in the area."