BRAIN-BOOSTING Saturday morning 'sums sessions' are being held in Newton-le-Willows as part of the Excellence in Cities initiative which aims to boost educational standards across the borough.

Under the programme's Gifted and Talented strand, Year Seven and Eight pupils from St Aelred's Catholic Technology College and youngsters from feeder primary schools are benefiting from the classes which will run for five weeks.

St Helens Council received £5 million through Excellence in Cities which nationally has ploughed an extra £200 million into schools. The pioneering work in local schools has already been highlighted by the Government in its drive to further raise standards.

Across St Helens youngsters have already taken part in a variety of exciting new Excellence in Cities projects including a science and technology day at Liverpool Football Club, a week-long 'Brain Gym' work-out at De La Salle School, Eccleston and a journalism-based project at Saints Rugby League Club.