The scheme is part of a £5m package to create 18 new children's centres across Lancashire.

It has not yet been decided exactly where the new centres will be, but Lancashire County Council has identified 19 wards within Fylde and Wyre where it wants to extend provision.

This could either be in the form of a new centre, extension of an existing centre or outreach services.

The move is the third phase of a programme which has already seen 61 centres provided throughout the county including Fleetwood Children's Centre, Wyre Rural Children's Centre in Garstang, Freckleton Strike Lane Primary School, Pear Tree Childrens Centre at Kirkham, Fylde Family Support Centre in St Annes, Thornton Primary School and Wyre Family Support Resource Centre at Fleetwood.

The Children's Centre Initiative is a nationwide programme which will ensure, by 2010, every family in the county will have access to a local centre.

Services such as early education, health, antenatal advice and support to pregnant women, drop-in sessions and other activities for children, help with job hunting and information on all aspects of bringing up a family are provided under one roof.

This latest phase will create a number of satellites centres that will provide access to additional services from an outreach facility while being linked to an existing core centre, particularly in rural or more affluent areas.

It means staff and resources can be used strategically and more efficiently, and specialist equipment can be used in different communities, while still providing more access and services to families.

County Councillor Jennifer Mein, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "I'm very proud Lancashire continues to lead the way in providing such services and support to our diverse communities.

"Lancashire is leading the way in terms of children's centres, with one of the largest and most developed networks in the country.

"This latest phase enables us to continue to increase the number of families who benefit from them."

Proposals will be considered about exactly where these new centres will be placed, following feedback from Lancashire Locals, Children's Trusts, key stakeholders and other interested parties.

The wards being considered for provision in Fylde and Wyre are Ansdell, Clifton, Elswick and Little Eccleston, Newton and Treales, Park, St John's, Ribby with Wrea, Singleton and Greenhalgh, Staining and Weeton, Warton and Westby, Breck, Carleton, Hambleton and Stalmine, Hardhorn, Highcross, Pilling, Preesall, Staina and Tithebarn.