A LEIGH youth club is hoping to raise academic standards for its members.

St Joseph's YC, which meets in the presbytery, is establishing a homework and study area in the club, where there will be a variety of books and software available.

They are targeting 60 young people aged 10-13 and hope to create a positive environment conducive to quality study which will help the youngsters gain confidence, develop skills and encourage them to learn and explore.

The group has entered its project into the BT Reading Challenge and if it is successful may be in with a chance to win a share of £100,000 worth of awards on offer.

The Challenge, sponsored by BT and co-ordinated by the Campaign for Learning in Partnership with the National Literacy Trust, is offering the awards for innovative and imaginative reading projects.