A CONTROVERSIAL unit for Bolton's problem pupils has been hailed as a success by education chiefs.

The centre called Youth Challenge opened six weeks ago for 14-16 year olds who had been expelled from other schools.

Many had appalling truancy records - but attendance at the new centre has been more than 80pc.

Mr Jeff Hope, manager of the unit at Stanley Street South, close to Bolton town centre, gave a report on the first few weeks to councillors at an education personal services sub committee meeting yesterday. There was huge criticism when education chiefs first put forward the idea with claims that it was a "soft option" because pupils take part in outdoor activities as well as their more formal education.

Mr Hope said: "It is not a holiday camp - in a short time pupils have carried out a lot of creditable work. He explained that many were working towards NVQ qualifications."

He explained that a "hard core " of around half of the 12 pupils on the roll had a "criminal background."

Most had some experience of drugs. "We have said right from the beginning that if anyone is thought to be under the influence of drugs, we will not let them in, but we will talk to them about drugs issues." Mr Stuart Jackson, head of pupil services, said that there were 44 pupils expelled from Bolton's schools in 1995-96.

Mr Barry Scanlon, assistant director of education, said: "There has been a lot of hysteria in the press. recently on how you deal with this very difficult area.

"I hope there will now be credit given to those who are trying to sort it out."

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