THE North-East is at the centre of pioneering international medical trials which could transform the lives of millions of children.

If they are successful, doctors believe the trials could lead to new treatments for dyslexia and other learning disorders which blight the lives of youngsters all over the world.

A total of 120 children aged between six and 11 at 13 primary schools in County Durham are being given daily food supplements containing substances known as omega three and omega six.

The children have learning problems caused by disorders such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, hyper-activity and autism.

Another 120 children who appear to be learning normally have also been recruited.

Scientists believe that by testing both groups of children at the end of the six month trial, they will prove that the food supplements can improve learning ability.

Two years ago, a small group of children in Oxford saw dramatic improvements in concentration and behaviour after being given supplements containing evening primrose oil and oily fish.

Conditions such as dyslexia, so-called "word-blindness", and dyspraxia, so-called "clumsy child syndrome", can cause devastating problems for youngsters, damaging their education and often resulting in social exclusion.

The County Durham research project will also see the first use in the world of a breathalyser-like device which can analyse exhalations and indicate whether a child or adult has problems with their metabolism.

It is hoped that the device, developed by the Highlands Psychiatric Control Group, can be used to identify pre-school children who might benefit from supplements.

Dr Madelaine Portwood, a senior educational psychologist at Durham County Council Education Authority, who helped organise the trial said: "This is the first international trial of its kind and I am very optimistic it can make a real difference to very large numbers of children and adults."

Dr Portwood is interested in the theory that the recent rise in learning difficulties is caused by changes in our diet.

"Why are there so many more children with developmental problems?" she said. "The most significant change in the last 20 years has been the diet of children, and that is why we are exploring the use of food supplements."

Some researchers believe that a significant proportion of the approximately five per cent of the population who suffer from a developmental disorder are missing vital elements in their diet.

It is believed that a move away from breastfeeding and from eating fresh fish, fruit and vegetables in favour of processed foods may be making the trend worse.

Dr Portwood said the supplements provided the children with the natural food that is lacking in their diet.

She hoped the County Durham study would turn out to be "a landmark" in the treatment of children with developmental problems.

Andrew Westerman, headteacher at the 480-pupil Timothy Hackworth Primary School, Shildon, said he was optimistic that the supplements would help his pupils "to achieve their very best".

Parents had been very supportive and the children were enthusiastic about the research project.

"We can support the experts and help to put County Durham on the map," said Mr Westerman.

The study is being funded by the Dyspraxia Research Trust in Oxford and the supplements are being provided by Equazen Nutraceuticals