The Time for Citizenship site saw pupils at Ilfracombe Junior School in North Devon, where the idea originated, going online live with the Education Secretary, David Blunkett, who was in Sheffield.

They were also in touch with six other schools, one of them in the Republic of Ireland.

It was not a total technical triumph: the schools could see David Blunkett broadcasting to them - but they could not hear his opening remarks.

A subsequent video conferencing session with individual pupils did work, though.

Claire, a Year 6 pupil, asked Mr Blunkett what he had been like at school. He replied that he had been lazy and talked too much - "but then I got my act together and look where I am now," he added.

Embryonic

Ilfracombe's headteacher, Ian Gander, said the pupils had thoroughly enjoyed it all.

The Website has the backing of the prime minister and the home secretary, as well as chief police officers in the UK and Ireland.

Since the project started it has received financial and technical support major multinational companies. The Website was built by the University of Central England.

"I'd like to stress that the site is very embryonic," Mr Gander said.

Between now and the BETT educational technology conference in January, when the site is due to be ready for schools' use, the intention was to add several hundred pages with police material for school liaison officers and practical activities for teachers.

"We also hope the children will get a great deal out of it by sharing between one school and another," he added.