PRESTON schoolchildren are less likely to benefit from the educational content of the Internet compared to other areas in the UK, a recent report has found.

The Kids.net report found that 42 per cent of primary and secondary schools in Preston have computers - but have less than the national average connected to the Net.

AngliaCampus is spearheading a campaign to promote use of the Internet among parents, children and teachers in Preston as an educational resource for home as well as school.

Some 80 per cent of pupils in Preston feel that the Internet gives children a great advantage over those without access to it and a third of the children surveyed revealed that if they were absent from school through illness, they would like to receive help with schoolwork over the Internet.

Rob Lawson from National Opinion Polls (NOP), who researched the findings, said: "Our findings suggest some significant shifts in patterns of use of the Internet among children in Preston.

"If they have access from home they prefer using it from there - they're on for longer, get control of the mouse and don't have the teacher looking over their shoulder.

"The findings also show that usage is going to end up pretty close to 100 per cent in the next couple of years."

Peter from AngliaCampus added: "It's obvious Preston children are quick to embrace new technology - especially if it helps with their schoolwork - because it is relevant and constructive.

"What this report reveals is that given access to the Internet, children feel they learn more quickly and that is a great benefit to them.

"Unfortunately, through the huge demands made on school resources every year, not all children have access to the Internet on a regular basis."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.