A PIONEERING cyber centre is proving a massive success story as the Duke of Kent discovered when he visited Rainhill City Learning Centre.

City Learning Centres at Rainhill and Haydock went into action last year and since then thousands of users have taken advantage of facilities at the centres, based in the grounds of Rainhill and Haydock high schools.

The centres are equipped with computerised equipment regularly upgraded to ensure it remains at the forefront of technology. Open to everyone, the centres improve access to the latest educational technology for classes of pupils, individuals, businesses and community groups alike.

Each costing £900,000 the centres were among the first to open on Merseyside as part of St Helens Council's Excellence in Cities initiative which aims to enhance educational opportunities.

The centres share their facilities with schools and the community and give organisations such as voluntary groups, local scouts and guides and mums and toddlers' sessions the chance to set up their own websites for free. Cyber cafes are open at both centres where members of the public can surf the web.

The Duke met representatives from St Helens Council including Chief Executive Carole Hudson, Director of Education, Susan Richardson as well as Head Teacher of Rainhill High Dave Atkin, Mike Cooper, Chairman of the Management Board of the learning centre and Tim Farr, Director of the learning centre.