WORK got under way yesterday on a £1.9m flagship centre which it is hoped will transform the teaching of science in schools across the North-East.

Government Chief Whip and North-West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong cut the first sod to start construction of the Science Learning Centre North-East, on the campus of Fram-wellgate School, Durham City.

The centre will provide professional development courses for the region's science and IT teachers, both at the centre itself and further afield.

It is hoped that the centre, which is backed by industry and the region's leading universities, will bring together scientists, researchers and teachers under one roof and lead to significant improvements in teaching.

Centre director Dr Sally Preston said: "This is an important milestone in the realisation of a fantastic resource for the region's science teachers.

"The centre will provide the region's teachers and technicians with an innovative programme of professional development, and serve as a catalyst for creating inspiring, intellectually-stimulating and relevant science education.

"There is a critical need to build on the capacity and potential within science education and to wholeheartedly involve the enthusiasm and expertise of business and universities in supporting our schools and teachers."

Joan Sjvoll, headteacher of Framwellgate, said: "Science Learning Centre North-East is focused on bringing together pioneer scientists, education researchers and teachers, but grounding everything we create in the reality of schools."

The centre, which has been made possible by a £1.67m grant from Durham County Council, is a partnership between Durham University, Framwellgate School, Life Science Centre, Newcastle University, Nissan Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, Northumbrian Water, Sunderland University and Teesside University.