HUNDREDS of women will be able to go out to work, thanks to a new initiative launched in Worcestershire.

A major drive to recruit people into childcare will create more than 2,500 new places for children over the next three years in day nurseries, pre-school playgroups, out of school clubs and holiday clubs. There will also be more childminders.

David Dallimore, director of Playcare Services, part of the Worcestershire Child Care Team which is co-ordinating the campaign, said the initiative will attract 400 people into the profession.

"Besides the creation of 400 more jobs it will also allow us to make more childcare places available for mothers who want to go out to work and for those who want to train for a new profession," said Mr Dallimore.

"We know there are dozens of people who want to enter the workforce but are being prevented because of the lack of childcare.

"This will open up new channels for everyone and lift it from a low status profession."

Organisers of the recruitment campaign entitled Choices - Working in Childcare, are hoping a lot more men will join the profession - especially in after school roles - so that they can offer sport and practical skills and can be good role models for children.

"Older people with years of experience raising their own children can also build a worthwhile second career," said Alison Hitchens, early years development officer for Worcestershire County Council.

"Research has shown that there is a high demand from working parents for more childcare across the County. Recruiting a trained and qualified workforce to support such a scale of development is of paramount importance for all involved.

"High quality childcare is a top priority and excellent staff are the core of all schemes."

The campaign will offer information through a telephone helpline, taster sessions, and literature signposting people to training and job opportunities.

Sessions will be held on the following dates:

Worcester - Monday, February 12 at Warndon Community Centre.

Bromsgrove - Tuesday, December 5 at Charford Multi Agency Resource Centre.

Evesham - Tuesday, January 9 at Wallace House, Oat Street.

Kidderminster - Friday, February 9 at The Glades Leisure Centre.