SCHOOL children are often left scratching their heads when it comes to the difficult subject of mathematics.

But thanks to a maths programme with a distinctly oriental flavour, many local students are beginning to breeze their way through their times tables.

Sophia Spink runs Tarporley Kumon Study Centre which provides after school maths sessions for pupils from Tarporley and Little Budworth.

And such is the success of Sophia's classes that she is hoping they will generate interest from students in the Winsford area as well.

Kumon is a supplementary mathematics programme used to train children of all ages and abilities to be fluent in mental arithmetic.

It is a system endorsed by maths wizard and television presenter Carol Vorderman who has become involved in the promotion of Kumon.

Carol, recently voted Britain's most intelligent woman by Focus Magazine, said: "I have seen the results of Kumon first hand and they are fantastic.

"Kumon not only teaches number work and mathematics, but also confidence and discipline which translates across into other subjects."

Each child is given an initial assessment so that they can begin the course at a level that matches their ability and with daily practice, they can master the basics and develop increased concentration.

The system was invented by Tori Kumon, more than 40 years ago, in Japan, to aid his son who found maths difficult to learn.

Sophia, who lives in Waverton, said: "Although Kumon is not part of the National Curriculum, it certainly compliments the mathematical work children have to do at school."

Sophia runs two after school classes on Mondays an Wednesdays, in Tarporley Library, between 4.15pm and 5.30pm.

Enrolment is free until March 20, and each member pays £38 a month for the sessions.

Any parents interested in enrolling their children for Sophia's Kumon classes can call her on 01244 336559.

She is also prepared to run a course by correspondence if there are any interested students not able to travel to Tarporley for the classes.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.