SCHOOLS in some of the most deprived areas of Bolton are to benefit from further Government assistance after driving up standards in less than two years.

School Standards Minister Stephen Timms announced today that the Education Action Zone project will be extended for a further two years which will help more than 5,000 pupils in the town.

The EAZ is a partnership between parents, schools, businesses, the Local Education Authority and the Learning and Skills Council.

In Bolton, the EAZ was established in 1999 in Breightmet and Tonge and includes 18 schools within these areas.

The Government ploughed more than £100m into the scheme and each EAZ was pledged an extra £500,000 a year. and the Government would match fund amounts raised through sponsorship up to £25,000.

Mr Timms said the EAZ had already shown improvements in primary school results at Key Stages 1 and 2 as well as improvements at Key Stage 3 for 14 year-olds.

Nationally, schools within the EAZ are improving faster than schools outside the zone.

Mr Timms said: "The Zones have generated huge enthusiasm from communities and business partners in all participating schools. They have fostered a more co-operative learning environment with people working together to achieve the best results."

Ged Mckean who is responsible for the EAZ in Breightmet and Tonge described today's announcement as "fantastic news".

He said: "Our results echo the national findings because we have seen some outstanding success at the various Key stages this year.

"The extension of the scheme will guarantee more resources coming into the areas and together with other resources such as SRB6 funding which will continue for five years it will give us the opportunity to plan for the future."