A CAMPAIGN to raise £1m for a new school sports hall is more than halfway to its target.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School has received funds from former students, their Charitable Foundation and through students taking part in a sponsored walk, taking the total to £650,000.

The school hopes to be able to start construction at the Chatburn Road site during the autumn term.

Andy Clayton, chairman of the governors, said: “We are extremely grateful for all the donations that have been made so far from friends of the school, former students and from our Charitable Foundation.

“The hope is to start building work in the new academic year and carry on raising funds for the sports hall while that is going on.

“We want to get this project right for the students and every donation, however big or small, means that we are that much closer to our target.”

Students are currently using a gymnasium built more than 30 years ago and there are plans to convert the building for other uses instead of demolishing it.

The construction of the new sports hall would come after the completion of an all-weather pitch at the school.

Dr Clayton said: “This sports hall is very much needed because the one that it will replace is not fit for purpose at all and probably never has been.

“The old gymnasium could be turned into a theatre where the students can hold productions in the future, but it will definitely be used for something.

“It will make a huge difference to the whole school when it’s completed, and I hope that is sooner rather than later.”

Writing on the school’s website, headteacher Judith Child said: “Thank you to everyone who has given to the ‘Building Our Future Sports Hall Campaign’.

“We really appreciate your support and thank you sincerely for your gift, which will make a real difference to our school and the opportunities for students.”