SCHOOLS Standards Minister David Miliband opened one of the county's first Classrooms of the Future, yesterday.

The South Shields MP viewed the advanced technology that has been employed by New Seaham Primary School, with its new learning zone.

The rooms have been fitted with the latest digital and computer equipment that can be used by children and local residents and a new hall fitted with facilities including a sound studio. During the day, New Seaham's learning zone can be used for digital movie making, multi-media presentations and performing arts.

After school, it will be open to the community, as a cyber caf, youth club and performing arts centre.

The learning zone at the school in New Seaham, east Durham, is one of three high-tech classrooms proposed by Durham County Council.

The other two are at Easington Community School, also in east Durham, and Escomb Primary School, near Bishop Auckland.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for education, said the council had received more than £1m from the Government to build what the Government is calling Classrooms of the Future.

He said: "After months of planning and construction, additional funding from the county council and contributions from each of the three schools, we now have a wonderful testament to our commitment to meet the needs of our pupils and teachers in the 21st Century."