Schools are being encouraged to use IT to improve communities and boost skills

Nine-to-11-year olds are being asked to suggest improvements to their communities using technology.

The "Make IT Happen" scheme has been launched by the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee (Pitcom) and sector skills council e-Skills UK, in partnership with Institution of Engineering and Technology.

The pupils can use techniques such as web pages and interactive posters to describe how they would address issues such as bullying and littering.

Giving children access to technology can produce great results, said Andrew Miller, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and chairman of Pitcom.

“It’s amazing what young people can do when they are given access to technology. Make IT Happen 2008 gives us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the best of this work," he said.

"We are delighted that so many MPs are backing the 2008 competition and will be encouraging their local schools to enter.”