CUTTING edge technology has taken pride of place in a classroom.

Design and technology lessons at Easington Community School have taken a leap forward, with the installation of about £50,000 worth of equipment to help pupils study the subject.

The comprehensive school's technology department now has 23 computers linked to a machine that moulds and cuts plastic objects.

Pupils create designs on the computers which are then sent directly to the milling machine. The department has also installed interactive white boards which allow teachers to illustrate hi-tech lessons from their computer and colour laser printers.

Headteacher Paul McHugh said: "As far as we know it's the first such facility in the area. We've been trying for a few years to get this and it's the first time we've managed. But as far as computers go, we've come a long way.

"When I came to the school six years ago, we had one computer, now we have nearly 200.

"By September, all teachers will have a lap-top and every classroom will have internet access."