Melissa Suffield's character Lucy 'cared' for Matthew

Computerised baby Matthew recently featured in the TV soap in character Lucy Beale's school parenting project.

After appearing in the programme, Matthew was auctioned for ChildLine and bought by the Alloa Family Centre.

Since 2000, the centre has accumulated nine computerised infants to aid with parenting courses and raise awareness about pregnancy among youngsters.

Local children from Lornshill and Alloa Academy regularly take the computerised babies home, while youngsters at St Mungo's, Park and Abercromby primaries often use them as props in their classes.

The pupils are expected to feed, burp, change and comfort the babies as they get to grips with the realities of being a parent.

Matthew, who was bought for �250, has been signed by three cast members, Adam Woodyatt, who plays Ian Beale, Melissa Suffield (Lucy Beale) and Laurie Brett (Jane Beale).

Morag Morton, care worker for young people at the family centre, said: "Matthew's got a great story. Lucy Beale found him hard to cope with but hopefully our pupils will do better."