A SCHEME to reward school- children for good behaviour is to be extended in Derwentside.

Youngsters get points added to their own personal smartcard for good behaviour, doing their homework and eating healthily. They can then redeem points for gift vouchers at high street stores, where they can buy DVDs, CDs, books and magazines.

Derwentside District Council has agreed to go ahead with phase two of the Spice Project for the next academic year. It was originally established in October 2003 to try to improve life for young people through an innovative rewards system.

Three thousand pupils across 15 schools in Derwentside took part.

Since then, fruit sales have gone up by 20 per cent and are still rising.

There has been a 240 per cent increase in number of pupils with full attendance, unauthorised absences are down by 75 per cent and detentions are down 50 per cent.

Pupils and teachers wanted the scheme to continue and have expressed their interest to try a website version to improve administration.

Anne Taylor, executive member for strong communities, said: "We were delighted with the results of the pilot.

"It was another innovation from the district council in an attempt to promote the use of ICT (information and communications technology) among young people and at the same time drive up their performance.

"Both schools and pupils fully supported the scheme and we have done our best to continue it for at least another year".

Twenty-nine schools in Derwentside have confirmed they are taking part and will contribute £2 per child per year towards the scheme's rewards pot. Another £8 per child per year will come from Derwentside District Council and Durham County Council.