OUT-OF-SCHOOL learning in Sunderland has been given a £1.3m boost by the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund.

The money will fund more than 400 activities that will be held in 43 primary, seven special and 13 secondary schools during the next three years.

The scheme, Study Support, aims to raise achievement and increase the confidence and motivation of youngsters aged from four to 18 across the city.

The activities that will be provided include homework clubs, extra help with key skills, sports, games and outdoor pursuits, music, dance, drama and film-making, interest groups, mentoring sessions with adults, environmental clubs, crime prevention initiatives and community services by pupils.

The scheme will help Sunderland City Council's education service develop its study support strategy, which aims to ensure all pupils can take part in out-of-hours activities.

The council has won extra funding from the Department for Education and Employment which will ensure that all schools have a study support programme running from April.

Dr John Williams, director of education and community services, said: "Schools and the LEA have worked together to secure this excellent grant.

"The money will be very well spent in Sunderland to provide extended learning opportunities for the children who need them most."

Sister Aeired, headteacher of St Anthony's Roman Catholic School, said: "The study support team has worked hard on behalf of the schools to gain this extra funding.

"It will further enrich the lives of young people and help them to achieve and maximise their potential.

"I am delighted with the award and look forward to the launch of the study support programme across all of the city's schools."

Dave Smith, headteacher of Bexhill Primary School, said: "The funding will enable schools to provide activities for children which will broaden and enrich their learning.

"For the first time in decades, I see opportunities being made available for children which will support the development of the next generation. The children will find the programme fun and exciting. This is a very wise investment in our future.