A TASTER session for people interested in working with children has been organised for next year.

Redditch residents interested in joining the childcare profession can attend the workshop on March 12, organised as part of the "Choices - Working in Childcare Campaign".

The campaign, launched by Worcestershire County Council's Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, is holding the session from 9.30am-noon at Winyates Barn Community Centre, Winyates Centre.

The move comes after news the organisation plans to create more than 2,500 places for children over the next three years in day nurseries, pre-school playgroups, out-of-school and holiday clubs and with childminders.

The campaign particularly aims to attract people who may not have previously considered childcare as a profession, like older people, men, and people from minority communities under-represented in the field. County council early years development officer Alison Hitchins said: "Research identifies a high demand from working parents for more childcare.

"It is particularly important to recruit men into childcare, especially out-of-school childcare, as many have much to offer with sports or practical skills and can be good role models. Older people, many with years of experience raising their own children, can also build a worthwhile second career."

She also said recruiting a trained workforce to support the scale of development was of utmost importance since high quality childcare was a priority and qualified staff were at the core of all schemes.

As part of the recruitment drive, a telephone helpline offering information has been set up on 834793.