HOPES are pinned on a pilot summer school project developing the sports stars of tomorrow.

Roseberry Sports and Community College has picked its most promising sports students among its intake of ten, 11 and 12-year-olds and put them on a special summer school to develop their talents.

The pilot project involves using practice sessions and the latest sports technology to hone their motor skills, reaction times, co-ordination and improve their balance.

The pupils will then be encouraged to join local clubs in the community, such as cricket or netball teams.

The school, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, hopes that by focusing on its 45 most promising athletes, the students will retain their interest in sports.

Head of PE Pam Turner said: "By the time we get to Christmas, we hope to have placed at least half of them - if not all of them - into local clubs, by showing them how they've improved and suggesting local clubs they could join.

"We've done this to encourage their talent and to support parents in helping their children."

Those taking part in the school will spend five days at an outdoor activities centre near Ireshopeburn, in Weardale, while other sessions will take place inside the school.

Ms Turner said: "We're not looking at specific sports. At the end of the day, there is a 45-minute slot where they can choose a sport. Other than that, they are working on skills like striking with a cricket bat, or using reactor balls that can bounce in any direction, to increase their reaction times."

The school was known as Pelton Roseberry Comprehensive until it was granted specialist sports status by the Government in October last year. It has since unveiled a raft of measures to improve sport in the community.

By the end of the year, the college should have completed a £30,000 climbing wall and gym within the school grounds, along with changing rooms, community area and offices. More staff are also being employed to expand the range of activities on offer.

Funding for the present summer school came from the local education authority and it is hoped to continue the project once the summer school is over, with money allocated to the school under its specialist status.

The aim is to keep the project going right through the children's school career.