A HI-TECH media and computer centre which boasts some of the most impressive equipment in the country has been unveiled to the public.

VIP guests, parents, former pupils and local residents were invited to view the £1.8m media and information technology suites which have transformed classes at Turton High School.

The hi-tech centre, sponsored by the Bolton Evening News, opened last autumn, but the Bromley Cross school held an open day to show the progress made by pupils in sophisticated computer and filming techniques.

Pupils as young as 11 have learned how to make their own mini feature films in the media suite, while advanced computer technology has created endless possibilities for staff and pupils.

And the Media Club has proved highly popular with film fanatics eager to make their own movies.

Marcus Atty, aged 12, spends at least five hours each week at Media Club with his twin brother Chris making imaginative short films. Their latest creation is a music video produced entirely with Lego characters.

Marcus said: "It took us about three hours to make the two and a half minute video. But everyone who has seen the film loves it."

For Barry Pilling, aged 17, the chance to use editing facilities has proved to be a great help as he was already a member of a Bolton film makers' club.

The A-level student said: "I've been editing all my work here and it's been fantastic. I managed to get an 'A' in a Media project in which I filmed an intro for a horror film which was brilliant fun. Becoming a film director would be my ideal career."

Former pupil and father-of-two, Geoff Hounslea, was astounded by the technology.

His 11-year-old daughter from Eagley Junior School has been attending weekly classes in the computer suite and is now fully adept at surfing the net and e-mailing.

Mr Hounslea said: "I can't believe what I've seen today. The technology is absolutely amazing. My 11-year-old can run rings around me on the computer now."

As well as the computer and media suite, the transformation of the school has included a new sixth-form common room and there are plans for a drama studio and sculpture garden.

The school, which has gained specialist arts status, received support from the British Film Institute and Technology College Trust in London, but also had to find £50,000 in backing from local businesses. The Bolton Evening News gave £5,000 worth of sponsorship.