PUPILS are being helped to stay in focus, thanks to a scheme that recycles surplus equipment.

Thirty Polaroid cameras and spare films have been given to schools across Tyne and Wear by Network Ticketing, the region's only integrated passenger ticketing organisation.

The cameras were originally used to take photographs for tickets in travel centres throughout the area.

They were given to the schools through the Newcastle Education Business Partnership's resources project which finds a home in schools for equipment that companies no longer need.

Schools to get the cameras include Kenton School, Walker Technology College, Kenton Bar Primary School and North Fawdon Primary School, all in Newcastle.

Network Ticketing's chairman Paul Matthews said: "We are delighted to be involved with the Newcastle Education Business Partnership in its resources project.

"We wanted to ensure that the cameras didn't go to waste, so we are thrilled that local schools can put them to good use.''

Eunice Roberts, general manager of the Newcastle Education Business Partnership, said: "We are very grateful for the support we receive from companies like Network Ticketing which has kindly donated surplus equipment that can be re-used in schools throughout the area.