AN East Lancashire MP said he has welcomed the news that more than half of Pendle schools are benefitting from a government skills programme.

The Digital Skills Partnership, launched in March last year, aimed to bring together public, private and charity sectors to share knowledge and improve skills across the country.

Across East Lancashire, BT’s Barefoot Computing initiative has been providing free computer science resources and continuing professional development workshops to primary school teachers.

Andrew Stephenson, Pendle's MP, said: "In just eight months 48 teachers from over half of Pendle’s primary schools have received support through the Digital Skills Partnership.

"This will lead to better quality teaching for young pupils in a vital subject, better preparing the next generation with the skills they need for the future."

“Help is also being offered to ordinary people wanting to develop online skills or receive advice as well as projects being delivered in the North West on online safety, coding and other areas.

"The success of this Government project is seeing people benefit from cooperation between schools, charities and businesses.”