A SCHOOL is hoping to expand its services for students when it moves into a new building next year.

Felstead School, in Sunderland, is a learning support unit for seven schools in the area. Through the Government's Excellence in Cities (EIC) initiative, it provides a range of programmes for students at Oxclose, Biddick Comprehensive, Monkwearmouth, St Aidan's, St Anthony's, St Roberts of Newminster and Washington Comprehensive schools.

More than 50 students are taking courses including child care, catering, driving, hairdressing and soccer coaching.

Now Felstead plans to set up a hairdressing salon for the public, a shop, and other facilities when its new building opens early next year.

Julie Douglas, of EIC at Felstead, said: "Our contribution means that at present, over 1,000 secondary schools are receiving targeted help."