A PIONEERING new learning centre for kids has been given the go-ahead at the multi million pound Reebok stadium.

The Government has handed £100,000 to Bolton Council to develop a study support centre for slow learners inside the state-of-the art stadium.

The handout is part of a £2.2 million cash allocation to Bolton education bosses which is aimed at raising standards across the board.

The centre will cater for pupils who are under-achieving at school and will build on existing strong links between the council and the Wanderers.

Speaking at a meeting of the Quality and Regeneration Sub Committee, Strategy Officer Jeff Fletcher said the centre would be part of an ambitious development programme at the Reebok stadium.

The centre, which is expected to cost £150,000, has already won the support of Bolton/Bury TEC which has offered to secure sponsorship.

It is hoped that the centre will open within the next few months and will provide support and help to youngsters who are struggling to achieve set standards in the traditional classroom setting.

Cllr Bob Ronson, said: "I think officers ought to be congratulated for securing this money for our education system.

"The equipment already going into this centre is quite unbelievable," he added.

As the Wanderers struggle for Premiership survival, Mr Fletcher - with tongue in cheek - told members that the funding also covers developing centres in First Division stadia.

Cash has also been secured through the Government's Standards Fund to introduce schemes which are aimed at improving behaviour.

There is also money to boost school security, to implement behaviour and discipline projects and improve the overall effectiveness of schools.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.