PRIMARY school children are to get extra help with their studies.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is to open its first primary study centre for nine to 11-year-olds .

The aim is to assist with homework, projects, preparation for tests and moving on to secondary school.

The centre, which will be based at Audley and Queen's Park neighbourhood learning centre in Pringle Street, Blackburn, will hold an open morning on Saturday so parents, pupils and teachers can meet tutors and get a taste of what support is available.

Councillor Mahfooz Hussain, Blackburn's executive member for education and lifelong learning said: "Study Support centres are very popular with secondary school pupils by providing them with a different learning environment, a range of learning strategies and opening hours to complement schools' provision.

"This success and popularity has resulted in growing demand for similar support for primary age pupils."

"The Study Centre will provide a supportive, relaxed environment where children can talk through their studies or projects with tutors, do their homework and have free access to computers and the internet.

"They will also be mixing with youngsters from all over the borough which will help prepare them for secondary school."

The free open morning runs from 10am to noon and will include children's activities, raffles and competitions.