HEALTH, social services and education chiefs in York are to work together to protect youngsters from child abuse.

City of York Council has been chosen to set up a Children's Trust pathfinder project, which also aims to boost learning.

Children's Minister Margaret Hodge said social services, education and health services would be merged into a single local body.

The Government said it will allow them to pool money and staff and share information to offer better "support and protection" to local youngsters.

Experts believe a closer working relationship will increase the chances of spotting any early warning signs that a child is suffering from abuse at home.

Nationwide, a further 34 local authorities have been chosen to take part in the pilot.

The move follows a series of child abuse scandals, including the brutal death of Victoria Climbi, the eight-year-old from Ivory Coast who was murdered three years ago by her carers.

Lord Laming's independent inquiry into her death called for the trusts to be created.

Mrs Hodge, the first MP to hold the new post of Children's Minister, said: "We are determined that the needs of children should be at the heart of all decisions that affect their lives.

"Children's Trusts will bring together professionals at a local level. By working together as one body, children's professionals will be able to pool money and staff and share information to offer better support and protection.

"Many areas are already delivering 'joined-up' services on the ground through good local arrangements such as children's centres. The Children' Trust pathfinders will take these initiatives one step further. We hope they will support our vision.

"The creation of Children's Trust pathfinders marks the start of our drive to bring together children's services to provide co-ordinated support to children and families. These first trusts will help us to establish what works as we build integrated services in local communities.

"We are determined that the needs of children should be at the heart of all decisions that affect their lives."

Updated: 10:20 Friday, July 11, 2003