HAMPSHIRE county council has appointed Salisbury company Stagecraft to develop and install two hydrotherapy pools at schools in the county.

Stagecraft will work closely with the county council and architects to provide the new facilities.

With 273 pupils requiring various levels of learning support, the schools will have facilities to provide each of the students with a unique learning experience. Hydrotherapy pools enable students to develop socialisation skills and enhance their normal physiotherapy programmes.

The pools being developed by Stagecraft will have innovative lighting and sound equipment to help staff to create different moods such as stimulating or calming, with the facility to expand the system.

Sales and project manager Martin Palmer said: "We are delighted to be working with Hampshire county council and architects on this project.

"As well as providing creative and challenging atmospheres, the equipment also needs to be practical for staff to use in any circumstances.

"An infra red system will allow staff to control sound levels from the poolside, and the Pulsar Chroma lights will provide endless combinations of colours, as they are capable of creating 16.7 million colours from a single lighting unit."

Stagecraft's sales and projects division provides lighting and sound equipment to the education and entertainment sectors.

Stagecraft also produces corporate events in the UK and abroad for a wide range of clients and provides technical support and staging for exhibitions, festivals and events.