PARENTS are being given a helping hand as a childcare provider offers up to 12 weeks of free childcare sessions.

Busy Bees, a national nursery provider with a site in Weymouth, has created the 'Community Care' initiative to support families in the community by offering free childcare sessions for children under five.

The sessions, equivalent to a full-time place, are accessible to families experiencing a difficult time with no other options of support.

Louise Copson, operations director at Busy Bees, said: "We are delighted to be launching our Community Care initiative, offering care to the children and families in our local area and helping them to receive the best start in life.

"At Busy Bees, we understand just how important nursery is to a child's development - it's the first time they get to experience and learn new things. This initiative is our way of giving back to the local community and supporting families when they need it most."

For more information, visit the Busy Bees website.