A SCHOOL that raised £20,000 towards a building extension in one term is aiming to do it again, this time to help pay for improvements to playgrounds.

The money raised by teachers, children, and parents of St Aidan's CE Primary, Larch Grove, Bamber Bridge, and members of the community, helped pay for a £120,000 extension.

Two extra classrooms, a new library and a computer room were added to the school which previously had four classrooms.

Staff at the school, which has 146 pupils, are now hoping to raise another £20,000 to help fund an all-weather playground for the older children and to enclose another play area for the youngest children.

The fundraising efforts in the autumn term of 2002 included a sponsored pyjama walk and a sponsored cycle-ride from Lindisfarne to Bamber Bridge.

Building work started this February and finished in July, and the new rooms were officially opened on October 16 by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Nicholas Reade.

Year four and five teacher Robin Parker, who was heavily involved in the fundraising, said: "It is very satisfying to see the product of our efforts but it was extremely hard work. Now it's on to raising money for the playgrounds and the hard work starts again."

Headteacher Samantha Oates added: "The extra space has transformed the life of the school.

"We want to say a huge 'thank-you' to all who were involved. This is a celebration of what can be achieved when the school and local community work together for the benefit of the pupils."