THE COUNTRY'S first virtual school is set to be launched next month in East Lancashire to encourage troubled pupils to continue learning.

Cyber space will become a place for youngsters, who are on the verge of being expelled or caught playing truant, to learn.

The pioneering Virtual School Rossendale (VSR) project is being spearheaded in Rossendale.

The £200,000 move, which will see children taken away from the classroom and taught via a computer, has today been welcomed by education bosses and the Valley's MP Janet Anderson.

If the scheme is successful, it is hoped it will be copied in other areas.

Mrs Anderson said: "This is an absolutely wonderful idea. Technology is a fabulous way of moving forward and helping to keep children interested in their school work."

Teachers and LEA representatives have worked on the scheme for the last year.

Children will work on computers via a tailor-made package supported by a team of specially employed learning mentors.

The aim is to meet the Government's aims to offer secondary school pupils a much more personalised curriculum.

The project will be run outside schools in local youth centres, libraries and business centres. Every Valley secondary pupil who needs to use the provision will have access to the linked online curriculum whether they are at school, home or a learning venue connected to the scheme.