A SAFE haven for disadvantaged youngsters in Atherton is to be extended.

Wigan and Leigh Housing, which manages the borough's council homes, has turned a flat on the Hag Fold estate into a home for children who have a difficult or disrupted home life.

The scheme is run with Hesketh Fletcher CE High School and has been so successful in its first three years that the school asked for another two bedroom flat to extend the project.

The request was approved by Wigan and Leigh Housing's board this week. Its chairman Geoff Roberts said: " The community is benefiting by giving these children a safe, caring and positive example of home life that includes rather than excludes them."

The home is staffed by two house parents who welcome children after school, talk to them, provide a meal and ensure they can do their homework in peace and quiet.

It is paid for by government regeneration cash, the health department and the school. The project offers trips and activities during the school holidays, as well as operating throughout term time.

Some of the children have admitted that if they were not attending the project in the evening they would be out drinking and getting into trouble.

Almost half of Hesketh Fletcher's intake lives on Hag Fold.