A PIONEERING scheme to provide laptop computers to Southampton schoolchildren is on the verge of being introduced in local schools.

In an attempt to give pupils a head-start in the increasingly IT-based world of work, Bitterne Manor Primary School wants to start an equity scheme that would see all 210 students own their own laptop in three years' time.

As part of the initiative, being run in conjunction with the Hedge End branch of PC World, parents would be asked to contribute about £15 a month into a fund that would then be used to buy the computers.

Parents and teachers were joined by Saints footballer and former Bitterne Manor student Andrew Surman at a meeting to discuss the idea at St Mary's Stadium on Monday.

Head teacher Chris Bulmer said that the idea behind the scheme was to give her pupils the best chance possible when the time comes to enter the world of work.

She said: "Around 96 per cent of jobs these days require some form of IT skills.

"By introducing the equity scheme, every single child will end up with an e-learning package consisting of a top-of-the-range laptop, pre-programmed with educational programmes and anti-virus software.

"I don't want my students to be behind before they've even started. This scheme will give every child the start in life that they deserve."

Parents will decide whether to adopt the scheme at a meeting on Monday.