THE City of Sunderland's education and community services department is launching an out-of-school-hours learning programme today.

The scheme is financed by the New Opportunities Fund and the Department for Education's standards fund.

Every school in the city will run its own programme.

Out-of-school-hours learning, known as study support, takes place outside normal lessons, and is designed to help children aged four to 18 become more effective learners.

Dr John Williams, director of education and community services for the authority, said: "Study support can help develop skills that can lead to improved performance in school and higher self-esteem."

Activities take place during lunchtime, weekends and school holidays, and include homework, literacy and numeracy, music, cooking, and community service.

The winners of a competition to design a logo for the scheme will be announced on Monday, and the logo will be unveiled.

More than 400 pupils, teachers and parents are expected to attend the launch