CHILDREN from underprivileged backgrounds are being given a helping hand to bridge the gap between primary and secondary school through a new summer school scheme.

Community regeneration organisation Inspired Neighbourhoods has teamed up with Tesco to transform a derelict community centre into a hub for the new project.

The Greenwood Community Centre, in Swain House, had stood empty since before Christmas, but with help from Tesco and local ward councillors, it is being cleaned out and freshened up.

The summer school is designed to help youngsters prepare for life at high school, with advice on healthy eating, behaviour, and how to make sure they carry their learning on into Year 7.

Nasim Qureshi, chief executive of Inspired Neighbourhoods, said a lot of the children they would work with would be coming from poverty.

He said: “We plan to keep children engaged over the summer break through activities in the mornings and drop-in sessions in afternoons.

“We will show them how to lead healthy lifestyles, as this is proven to benefit them at school, and how to have respect and behave properly.

“This way they can sustain their learning over summer, so when they start at high school they remember everything they have learnt and can go straight into their education.”

Councillor Rachel Sunderland (Lib Dem, Bolton and Undercliffe) has been helping to clean the community centre, in Wood Lane, Swain House, and paid tribute to the help staff from the Tesco Peel Centre had given them in getting the building fit for purpose.

She said: “I cannot thank the Tesco staff enough for their help, they have all been absolutely fabulous, coming every day to paint, clean, and clear away rubbish.”

Tracey Porter, Tesco Bradford Peel Centre community champion said her team were delighted to help out at the centre.

She said: “To see the smiles on the kids’ faces and to provide them with a safe and welcoming place was something that, as a team, we were all so happy to contribute toward.”

The camp will be running for children who have left primary school in the Swain House and Bolton area, with a particular focus on children who will be starting at Hanson Academy in September.

For more information, contact Inspired Neighbourhoods on 01274 665598.