Surfing the web is simply "childs play" - according to the organisers of the latest website to be officially launched in Shetland.

Childcarelink (www.childcarelink.gov.uk) is a national website which provides information on childcare provision and services across the UK, but with added local information supplied by the Shetland Childcare Partnership.

The website was opened locally last weekend by Tavish Scott MSP who said: "Childcarelink gives parents access to a comprehensive database of childcare options across the country. I currently work and live between Shetland and Edinburgh and can use the web to find out about childminders when I'm away from home.

"Besides being great for parents it is an important resource for childcare agencies giving easy access to information on existing services throughout the country."

The website is managed locally by the Shetland Childcare Partnership who aim to improve local educational and welfare services for children. It is chaired by a representative from Shetland Enterprise, Eleanor Robertson.

She said: "The childcarelink website is easy to find your way around. The homepage is simply a map of the UK and you click on your own region.

"You can then access a wide variety of information from advice on choosing suitable childcare to lists of local childminders and nurseries.

"The site also provides guidance on paying for childcare as well as outlining available benefits and childcare laws".

The partnership has an information helpline which is manned on Tuesday and Thursday mornings on 01595 744499. Childcare information leaflets are also available and will be posted out to anyone on request.