SCHOOLS across East Lancashire are set to broadcast events and share ideas on the internet following a successful pilot project.

Education consultants are working with seven primary schools in the Blackburn area - known collectively as the Action Learning Network - on the pioneering scheme.

The project involves the company, Chorley-based E-solutions, going into the school and recording the thoughts of teachers and pupils involved in projects, which have so far ranged from healthy living to gymnastics.

The recordings are then turned into podcasts, three to five minute audio bulletins that can be accessed on the internet.

The idea behind the broadcasts is not only to give people an insight into school life but also allow schools to share ideas and working practices.

And after the successful trial the company has confirmed it intends to roll out the project in schools across the county, including Burnley, Pendle, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley and Rossendale.

Spokeswoman Vicky England said: "The Action Learning Network approached us asking us to do podcasts for them, and we did the first one at St Paul's RC Primary School, Feniscowles, last November, during their Healthy Living Week.

"The idea is that schools come to us with something they would like to highlight and we interview teachers and pupils so we get all perspectives, usually interviewing the head at the end.

"By putting it on a podcast it is more immediate and gets the point across better than say, a newsletter.

"We believe it is the first time schools have shared ideas in this way, the feedback we've had has been fantastic and we now intend to approach and work with other schools across Lancashire."

Future planned podcasts over the coming months include at St Michael with St John Primary School, Blackburn, spotlighting children taking part in team challenge workshops.

Teacher at the school and co-leader of Action Learning Network, founded in 2003 to share ideas, Kerrie Boardman said: "Lots of schools have their own website but we are going several steps further. We are using new technologies to open up our schools to the global community."

Pupils have also backed the podcasts. One from Ashleigh Primary, Darwen which recorded a Fruity Friday' fundraiser to raise cash for a school fruit trolley, said: "It's been good so far and we have found lots of pictures of fruit and vegetables."

And Coun Alan Whittaker, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for schools, has backed the scheme.