ROVERS stars helped Jack Straw to officially kick-off an after-school computerised classroom at Ewood Park.

The Home Secretary and Blackburn MP joined Garry Flitcroft and Kevin Gallacher, councillors and other guests for a tour of the new Study Support Centre.

The centre, one of the first in the country, is a joint initiative between the club, Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Department of Education and Employment and is open to primary and secondary schools in the borough.

Centre manager Gill Kinloch said: "We have been open for the last month and have been overwhelmed by how enthusiastic the children are."

Pupils from Holy Trinity Primary School and Moorland High School, Darwen, and Meadowhead Junior School and St Wilfrid's High School, Blackburn, used the centre yesterday and gave visitors a brief insight into how to use the 21 computers. The machines use learning programmes and educational games and half are hooked up to the Internet. Mr Straw, who unveiled a brass plaque to commemorate the day, said: "The fact this centre is based at this football club is important because it attracts youngsters in a way that one in any other building would not, and you can see that by looking at them."

Councillor Kathy Stephenson, vice-chairman of the council's education and training committee, said: "I think it is a marvellous initiative and there are some exciting activities going on here. I am delighted to see that many local schools are already taking advantage of the scheme and the facilities."

The centre is open to primary school groups by appointment between 4pm and 5.30pm and secondary school groups between 5.30pm and 7pm but is almost fully-booked until September. Ring Gill Kinloch on 01254 698888 extension 2178 for more details.

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