A SCHEME to bring the best out of pupils in deprived north Durham communities is under way.

Derwentside District Council is giving more than 300 free computers to families in the Stanley area to raise education standards.

The project, called Aspirations Begin at Home, is one of only a handful of pilot schemes operating across the UK. Along with a PC, it offers families training on using them and ongoing support.

A total of 196 Year Seven pupils at Stanley School of Technology have been targeted in the first phase, and 50 computers have already been distributed. The remaining families should receive their PCs in the next few months.

One of the first to benefit was Samantha Young, 12, who is dyslexic.

Her mother, Jackie, said: "I think it is important to be involved with your kids' schoolwork.

"And if you are learning together on the computer, it can be a real bonding experience for the whole family."

Roofer Andy Pinkerton, 38, from South Moor, who lives with his partner, Denise Smith, and children, Sophie, 11, and Ryan, 14, is another getting to grips with a computer.

He said: "When I started out as a roofer, I would never have dreamed that 22 years down the line I would be wanting to learn about computers.

"But now every job involves computers. There is no escape.

"But I do not just want to learn about computers to help myself, I also want to keep up with what my kids are learning at school. I do not think any parent wants to get left behind by all the new technology."

Funding for the project has included £440,000 from the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund, £280,000 from the Department of Trade and Industry, £126,000 in European Funding and £150,000 from the Neighbourhood Management Fund.

District councillor Janice Docherty, who is helping to manage the project, said: "All parents want the best for their children, but it can feel like you are hitting your head against a brick wall when you are stuck in a vicious circle of low income, limited skills, low expectations and a fear of new technology.

"These young people are on the brink of a very important time in their lives.

"If we can help them and their parents to really get involved in education and work together to improve standards, it could make a huge difference to these children's futures."