EDUCATION secretary David Blunkett gave a group of children an impromptu lesson in political history when he kicked off a pioneering Bolton project.

The Government Minister taught the six Blackrod youngsters about namesake Black Rod when he opened the study support centre at the Reebok Stadium. Mr Blunkett wanted to know if Blackrod was connected with Black Rod but none of the children had heard of the Queen's representative in Parliament.

Standing on the Reebok turf, he then gave the children a brief outline about Black Rod's role in the state opening of Parliament.

He told them to ask their teachers all about it and added: "It's all a bit of theatre and play acting."

Mr Blunkett met the children as they measured the pitch for a maths exercise at the new Bolton Wanderers study support centre.

Pupil Denis Malley said afterwards: "He was really kind and made us laugh."

The 15 children from Scott Lane, Blackrod Church and Blackrod County primary schools started attending the hi-tech after school club last week to catch up on their lessons.

Nine-year-old Lucy Johnson gave the sessions a thumbs-up: "I like using the computers, it's a lot better than writing everything down."

Mr Blunkett praised the Wanderers for agreeing to become one of the first clubs involved in the Playing for Success scheme and said he wanted more to follow Bolton's example and harness soccer's popularity to encourage children in danger of falling behind.

He was optimistic all children will eventually be able to benefit from the same kind of up-to date facilities through a national network of homework clubs.

And he hit back at critics who claim such schemes can prove a disincentive to children who work hard in class and favour those who do not try.

Mr Blunkett said: "If you have youngsters who are switched off from learning, it can have a negative effect on all the children in the class.

"Children who are demoralised must be given the support they need to become motivated again and this type of scheme can aid that. This way everybody gains - the youngsters, other children in the group and the local community."

Mr Blunkett revealed he is frequently given earache about the Government's failure to make Bolton a university town.

He added that during yesterday's tour someone had asked him when he is likely to award university status to Bolton Institute.

The education secretary said it reminded him of the Commons because whenever he bumps into a Bolton MP, they ask him about the issue.

"The MPs really look after BIHE and always give me a real ear-wigging about how critical university status is," he said in his speech.

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