STUDENTS at a new learning centre will be able to log on to the Internet for all their lessons - and have their own e-mail addresses.

The Prescot and Whiston City Learning Centre, opened by Malcom Wicks, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Lifelong Learning, has been hailed as Merseyside's first 'e-school'.

It means that pupils and adults are linked into the Internet for use during normal lessons, not just IT, giving access to the latest information in today's high tech world.

The community learning centre will be open to all the community including local businesses.

Teachers will be encouraged to make the most of the facilities by creating interactive learning materials for use in their own schools.

The learning centre, at Higher Side Comprehensive School, Whiston, Cumber Lane, will be open to all pupils, businesses and residents in the area, until 10 pm seven days a week, including holidays.

It will allow users to develop the technology-based skills essential in today's technological world.

John Fletcher, Director of the Learning Centre, said: "People want to learn when they feel ready to learn - the Community Learning Centre fits the bill perfectly".

Teachers will also be able to use high-tech classrooms to make lessons more interesting and computer access will be shared between three pupils -- one of the lowest figures in the country.

Chris Wilkinson, headteacher at Higher Side, added: "I believe this is a tremendous opportunity for the school, the community and the local authority to expand learning opportunities and to develop new styles of delivering the curriculum.