An expansion of the Sure Start programme to help disadvantaged children and families in England has been announced by education secretary Estelle Morris.

The government has given the go-ahead to 177 new programmes aimed at helping very young children and their families with play, learning, childcare, health services and family support.

The £400 million investment, spread over three years, is part of a cross-departmental programme aimed at meeting Labour's pledge to end child poverty by 2020.

With the total number of Sure Start programmes in England now 437, Morris said: "Sure Start is about improving the life chances of young children in disadvantaged areas. That means better access to health care, early education, childcare, family support and advice on parenting."

A £22 million will also support programmes in rural areas and in small pockets of deprivation.

"As Sure Start goes from strength to strength, we are committed to backing it with very significant investment. By 2004, there will be 500 local programmes and the government investment will be running at nearly £500 million per year," added Morris.