THE award-winning Classrooms in Companies project has been one of the major successes of the joint venture involving Leigh Education Action Zone and Wigan Education Business Partnership.

And it has sparked a glowing report for Wigan EBP from the National EBP Network.

Assessors visited the Leigh area and spoke to EAZ staff, past and present. After rigorous monitoring, the award-winning Classrooms in Companies project was singled out for high praise.

Local Classrooms in Companies are at Leigh Centurions, United Utilities at Hope Carr Barn, Pennington Flash and Leyland's Farm (Mosley Common).

The team was particularly impressed with the provision of programmes offered for a wide range of young people of all ages and abilities.

Leigh EAZ project director Alan Dutton said: "I am proud the work of Classrooms in Companies has been recognised in such a way. The learning opportunities provided for Zone children has been an important feature in raising standards in attainment."