YOUNG people who could be at risk of missing out on a mainstream education will soon be able to access Lancashire's first ever Virtual School.

All six secondary schools in Rossendale: Alder Grange, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar, All Saints, Whitworth, Fearns and Haslingden will be working together to host the £200,000 project.

Virtual School Rossendale aims to tackle problems which could cause children to drop out, and will use local youth centres, libraries and business centres, where pupils will be able to study.

Lancashire County Council's Cabinet Member for Education, Coun Alan Whittaker, said: "This is an exciting and pioneering new project which will lead to similar projects being set-up across the county."

Tasty battle

WOULD-BE chefs are battling out for the title of Young Chef of the Year after the Lancashire Education Business Partnership launched its annual competition at Nelson and Colne College. Last year's winners were from West Craven Technology College, Barnoldswick.

Reforms welcomed

EXECUTIVE director of Lancashire's Learning and Skills Council welcomed the Tomlinson report for the reform of 14-19 education.

Steve Palmer said: "Putting learners' and employers' needs at the heart of the education system, with an increased emphasis on personalised learning and a richer choice of vocational and work-related opportunities, supports our key goals to increase rates of participation and achievement and improve skills."

Lowry space for learning

THE Lowry officially opens its first purpose built Community and Education space in October, which will present community art and education shoulder to shoulder with world-class theatre and art.

Funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency and as part of a package by the Millennium Commission, the new £2.5 million Studio in Salford Quays features rehearsal rooms, classrooms and a flexible studio theatre space seating 140.