A CENTRE launched at Darwen Vale High School to deal with social issues and youth problems has been hailed a success.

The PATH Centre, officially opened last March, has dealt with more than 460 pupils and demand has led to plans to further extend it to holidays and after-school opening.

Its aim was to help children whose schoolwork may be affected by problems at home or issues such as bullying in school.

Pupils have the chance during their lunch hour to speak informally and in confidence to counsellors, a nurse, a youth worker, job centre staff from Connexions, staff from Specsavers, Brook advisers and a drug action team.

Since it opened, the centre has also recruited representatives from Smoking Cessation and Lifeline.

Deputy head teacher Dave Hallam said today: "We are very pleased with the success. For more than 12 months, large numbers of pupils have continued to access the services and benefit from the the advice, support and guidance.

"The project also demonstrates that multi-agency work when co-ordinated works very effectively for the benefit of the pupils and the community."

The centre was the idea of former deputy head teacher Tania Lewyckyj who said it would not only help the children but also help the school assess what areas needed adapting in the curriculum.

A spokeswoman for education at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "The response has been very positive and we are making contact with 16 young people on average per lunch hour.

"Comments from young people who have used the centre have referred to how useful it is and all the leaflets are very useful to people that have problems.

"They also commented on how helpful and friendly the staff were.

"It has taken pressure off the pastoral system, it ensures pupils are getting quality advice from health professionals and builds on our commitment to healthy schools."

Issues raised at the centre have included relationships, bullying, medical problems, health, puberty, weight, sexual health and work and training.