STARS of a children's television series spoke to pupils at several schools via a video conference.

The link-up, featuring cast members from BBC's Byker Grove, was one of a series of events to mark the opening of a City Learning Centre (CLC) at Southmoor Community School in Ryhope Road, Sunderland.

CLCs are funded by the Government's Excellence in Cities programme to improve learning through technology.

The centre has electronic whiteboards, projectors, video cameras, digital microscopes, and a film and media studio, and is open to schools, businesses and the public.

Events continue today with a Robot Fun Day, where participants can learn how to build a robot. There are a limited number of places left.

For more information, call the Southmoor Centre, on 0191-553 2490, its sister site at St Robert of Newminster RC School, in Washington, on 0191-219 3490, or visit www.sunderlandclc.org.uk website