GONE are the days when the reasons for staying behind at school were simply that you were a member of a sports team - or in detention.

Until recently, schools opened at 9am and closed at around 3.30pm, the only pupils remaining being those on the netball or football team.

But at Sharples High School in Bolton, children can expect to take part in an array of activities far removed from sports teams or detention.

The school runs an after-school DJ and MC-ing club, together with dance and music clubs. And, of course, academic clubs to help improve grades are also held before and after school.

Schools throughout the borough run similar schemes as part of the Government's extended schools programme. Schools are opening much earlier and not closing until well in to the evening.

Sharples High, in Hill Cot Road, is currently planning a summer timetable for pupils.

The Government wants all schools in England to provide extended services by 2010.

Sharples business manager, Colin Goldup, said: "Schools are a fantastic community resource to engage young people, not just during school but before the start of class and the evening. The extended schools programme has been a long time coming.

"The programme we run is simply amazing. Sports form a large part of it, but we have a cheerleading class and the DJ-ing course amongst many others.

There is a wide variety of activities to appeal to all children." Mr Goldup said the "wraparound" service was not a "baby sitting service" for working parents has had been initially feared, but had real educational benefits for young people.

In fact, research suggests that GCSE results improve more quickly when pupils attend before and after-school activities. Cory Schofield, aged 11, said that since taking part in the DJ-ing course his confidence had grown.

He said: "Before I was quite shy, but since having to give a presentation in front of teachers, I have a lot more confidence.

"Having confidence enables you to do better in class as well. Taking part in different activities also develops different skills - and gives young people something to do in the evenings." Adele Capaldi, head of music at the school, said: "Playing music is very enjoyable but young people learn qualities such as self-discipline and concentration. Performing also raises self-esteem."

Mark Werner, extended schools co-ordinator at Sharples, said: "The young people suggest what they want and then we have to see if it is viable which means whether the staff and resources are available."

Headteacher Lynne Porter said: "Taking part in activities raises aspirations and the activities we organise are open to all children.

"But the success of this programme is down to teaching staff who give up their time voluntarily.

"We have to be careful that teachers still have a work-life balance, so to make extended schools programme work, schools need more resources, in terms of staff and funding for clubs."