A SOUTH Ayrshire school has welcomed a new internet security centre.

Kyle Academy’s ‘Cyber Centurions Centre’ is giving students the opportunity to learn about protecting data, as well as stopping potential hackers.

This new hub will give school leavers knowledge of this technology, which could potentially help them when it comes to finding employment in IT.

£18,000 of funding has been invested in a scheme by Prince’s Trust and DYW Ayrshire.

The funding has also been used to set up a bike repair hub and train young people to become barista’s serving coffee and other hot drinks.

The barista’s have their own business called ‘Impresso Espresso’ and the bike hub ‘Kyle Recycle’ will be also run by young people so they can hone their business skills prior to leaving school.

Councillor William Grant, said: "Cyber Centurions is an exciting opportunity for young people as the data storage and online security sector is growing at a phenomenal rate.

“These initiatives not only give practical experience, but focus on transferable skills such as communications which will be needed in the future.

Other schools in South Ayrshire are also set to benefit as similar schemes, including Carrick Academy and Girvan Academy in the near future with Ayr Academy, Queen Margaret Academy Marr College and Belmont Academy due to have initiatives in place over the next few months.

Similar schemes already running at Prestwick Academy and Newton Primary are set for a second year of funding in recognition of their success.

Walter Smith, Prince’s Trust Ayrshire Chair said: “The finance for the DYW Ayrshire and the Prince’s Trust support of the Cyber Centurions and Impresso Espresso projects comes from the Scottish Government Youth Employment Initiative and the Scottish Government Cash Back for Kids Programme. This will help continue to develop Kyle Academy’s drive on positive destinations for its pupils.”