YOUNGSTERS in Hartlepool are to be given help with their homework with the introduction of special clubs at the town's libraries.

The clubs are being set up following a successful bid for National Lottery money from the New Opportunities Fund (NOF).

The fund has awarded a grant of £463,699 to the local education authority over three years, with £74,000 of that earmarked for libraries.

The first two helpers to be appointed, Ruth Iles and Jayne Mason, have taken up their posts at Foggy Furze branch library.

Ms Iles said that more children were starting to come along as news spreads about the club, but she called for more secondary school age pupils to attend.

She said: "The idea is to help them with their research skills. We point them in the right direction and they do the work, which can be through books or the Internet."

The intention is to run the clubs on evenings when the libraries stay open until 7pm, and on Saturday mornings.

Mrs Iles said they are being targeted at pupils in the first and second years of their secondary education, although youngsters outside this age range, and their parents, are also welcome.

For more information contact (01429) 272905.