A MUSSELBURGH project supporting families with young children plans to expand it services after receiving funding of more than �550,000.

The First Step Community Project will use the grant of �554,238 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund to expand its outreach service and offer childcare, enabling parents to access services and training.

First Step works with families whose youngest child is under eight years of age and who are going through difficult times and dealing with issues from isolation to poverty or postnatal depression.

Staff at the project hope the funding will enable them to support 150 county families across the Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig area.

Jane Holden, project manager at First Step, said: "To learn we have been awarded this grant for outreach services is wonderful.

"This money will make a difference by ensuring that families, expectant parents and grandparents will receive extra support at times of difficulties or stress.

"We offer opportunities for local families with young children to make positive choices in their lives and the project encourages development of skills and confidence. We will now be able to offer home visiting, group work and classes for families, child day care series and opportunities to volunteer." First Step was one of six projects from across Scotland to receive a share of a �3.3 million fund distributed by the Big Lottery Fund in Scotland last Wednesday.