A PILOT scheme to reward children for good behaviour and outstanding schoolwork with a Smartcard was approved by councillors this week.

Students in the Derwentside district will be able to redeem points awarded to them to gain free access to leisure facilities or to get gifts ranging from frizbees to computer games at participating businesses.

Derwentside District Council leader Coun Alex Watson said: "It will lead to a better quality of life for youngsters.

"If young people see their peers advancing because of good behaviour and in particular through working well, they are going to want to be part of it as well."

Mr Watson said the Derwentside Smart Card Scheme would be developed as part of the existing Spice project which has for the last two years promoted involvement in community activities and local democracy.

Over the past year, the North East Smart Card Consortium has been running Smartcard pathfinders in the Newcastle and Sunderland.

It was on the advice of MP Kevan Jones that officers approached NERSC to try a Derwentside pilot based on the Spice project. The NERSC allocated £50,000 for the scheme, subject to the district council finding additional funding.

The first stage of the pilot - from January to March 2003 - will concentrate on a reward scheme for citizenship activities, and a loyalty scheme through the leisure co-operative services.

Points will be redeemed at council-run outlets, such as the Belle Vue Centre, Bell Vue Swim Centre and Louisa Leisure Centre.

The second stage of the pilot will include partnership initiatives with police and primary care trust focusing issues such as healthy lifestyles and being safe.

During the second year, pupils will be able to redeem points at local businesses and obtain free entry to the Consett Empire Theatre and Stanley Civic Hall.

Because of limited resources, only 3,000 cards will initially be available. Schools which have been most active in Spice will have priority.

If any of the proposed schools decide not to take part in the pilot then the opportuntiy will be offered to others in the targeted wards.