A scheme to provide information technology to children in Blackbird Leys, Oxford, who are unlikely to own computers could be extended to other parts of the city.

The first pilot Youth IT Centre scheme has attracted 172 10- to 15-year-olds since it opened on August 2 at Blackbird Leys Community Centre.

The £15,000 project aims to give children in deprived areas the chance to use computers for education and leisure out of school hours. It is set to run drop-in sessions and youth activities, including music software classes.

John Ord, head of Oxfordshire County Council's community learning support unit, said if the centre proved to be a success, similar projects could be launched in Barton, Wood Farm and Northway. He said: "Many young people in Blackbird Leys were missing out on access to IT because they haven't got a computer at home and at school they're used mainly for work."

The scheme was launched following the popularity of youth sessions at the Blackbird Leys IT Hub, which caters mainly for adults.

Mike Kelly, IT project support manager at the Youth IT Hub, said: "The popularity of the youth sessions at the IT Hub showed there was a real need for young people to have their own IT Centre.

"They will manage it themselves with some assistance from me and tutors will also be on hand to teach specific software.

"At the moment five computers are in place all with a fast Internet connection and we hope to set up another five computers shortly."

The scheme was funded by Oxfordshire County Council, Blackbird Leys Parish Council, Oxford City Council's south east area committee, the Blackbird Leys Community Chest, ATMOSphere and Research Machines.