Youngsters in Hirst Wood are being offered the chance to study in peace and quiet thanks to a new homework club - and teachers who have volunteered their free time.

Two qualified teachers have been taken on to co-ordinate the free weekly club and are on hand to help children with their homework if they get stuck.

The club - funded through a £2,000 grant from the Salt Foundation - is open every Thursday afternoon at Unit 8, the centre on the Hirst wood Industrial Estate, which was opened last spring by St Peter's Church to give local youngsters a much-needed meeting place.

The grant has enabled Unit 8 to hire Jo Rouse, who teaches at Belle Vue Girls Upper School, and primary supply teacher Glenys Taylor.

It has also been able to buy a small stock of equipment and a few reference books, although community youth worker Tim Sudworth said he would be very keen to hear from anyone able to donate more books.

He said although just two children had attended the opening session he was confident more would join as the club became more well-known.

He added: "Historically this type of thing is very slow starting because we're up against a culture of some people not wanting to do their homework but if we got a dozen after six or seven months that would be a nice number.

"We felt there was a need for somewhere like this in Hirst Wood because there are a lot of children around who want to do their homework but just don't get a chance to do it for whatever reason.

"One reason could be that when they get home from school children whose parents are working - particularly those in Year 8 and upwards, which is the group we're really aiming at - are having to look after younger brothers or sisters which isn't really conducive to doing their homework.

"The aim is to provide somewhere the children can come to do their homework in peace and get help from the tutors if they need it.

"It's a long-term project and the whole ethos behind it is to provide a chance for people to better themselves.''

Mr Sudworth said although it was not being treated as a youth club or after-school care group the facility offered an informal atmosphere with no obligation to attend every week or stay for the full hour-and-a-half.

He added: "It's open access and if they're not enjoying it they can leave when they want.''

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.