ONE school in Blackburn with Darwen will be chosen to provide a full range of community services by 2006.

Around £50million of government funding is being given to 240 schools across the country over the next three years to equip them to provide extended services covering childcare, health and social care, learning opportunities, sports, arts and technology.

The scheme, which will initially target disadvantaged areas, will focus on the core role of raising standards for pupils.

Around £500,000 will be invested in Blackburn with Darwen over the next two years and £650,000 in the rest of Lancashire.

The scheme aims to support children's learning, for example, if a child needs speech therapy, appointments will be provided on site so they do not miss half a day's schooling.

Parents will be helped to balance work and family life, for example, flexible school-based child care will be arranged to meet parents' working needs.

The plan should also benefit communities, allowing more local residents to use school resources and adult learning opportunities.

Sure Start minister Baroness Ashton said: "We are creating schools for the future which meet the challenges of 21st century life.

"There will be at least one extended school in every LEA offering a full range of extended services by 2006.

"Extended services help to improve children's motivation, behaviour and achievements. They remove barriers to learning and help teachers to focus on their core job of teaching."