WHAT a terrific idea -- giving young teens a state-of-the-art "virtual baby" to take home for the weekend.

These "adopted" tots cry, burp and gurgle just like the real-life ones, to give youngsters the chance to take care of a baby before actually having to. This sensible bit of sex education is being run at Smithills High School where Year 10 pupils (around 14 years old) have been kept awake by their make-believe offspring. As our picture of pupil Amy Maitland shows, they look happy enough with the prospect beforehand.

However, the smart money would be on a very different photo of the youngsters involved AFTER the weekend.

And along with the tired eyes and weary looks would probably come sighs of relief that they could just hand junior back.

Certainly, this system should be compulsory in all local secondary schools.