A BID to establish a high-profile science centre has been boosted by a council's pledge to donate up to £2m.

Framwellgate Comprehensive School in Durham, is one of two sites in the North-East being considered as a regional science learning centre.

Its bid has been backed by Durham County Council to the tune of £2m.

A council spokesman said: "While other potential funding sources have still to be pursued, it was essential at this critical stage of the submission that the strength and viability of the Durham consortium's bid could be demonstrated."

The regional science centre is being developed by the Department for Education and Skills and the medical research charity Wellcome Trust.

The aim is to address the shortfall of scientists and engineers by boosting the skills of teachers and pupils.

Nine regional centre will support a national centre, and the DFES will provide a major part of the start-up costs and running expenses until 2008.

The costs of establishing new buildings will have to be met locally.

Organisations including Nissan and Northumbrian Water have expressed their support for the bid by Framwellgate School. One NorthEast is encouraging the school to work with Newcastle University and the Centre for Life in Newcastle, which have submitted a joint bid.

If the Durham bid succeeds, a new building will be established on the Framwellgate School site.

The centre will be the focus for a programme covering teacher research and training, state-of-the-art science education for three to 18-year-olds, work with gifted and talented pupils, community partnerships involving businesses, and e-learning.

Council leader Ken Manton said: "This is an exciting opportunity which we are very keen to support. It will make a significant contribution to the teaching of science in the region and serve as further recognition of the city's importance."