PROUD pupils at a Burnley school celebrated the half way mark on the road to specialist status.

Habergham High School, in Kiddrow Lane, Burnley, launched its bid a year ago to specialise in science and engineering.

And now they have topped £26,000 thanks to generous sponsorship from local businesses. The specialist status will help the 1,100-strong school tap in to an extra £650,000 in government cash.

The halfway mark was reached when Burnley's new Tesco store handed over a donation for £500 this week to head teacher Stuart Smith.

Gordon Allison, co-ordinating the school bid, said: "We are delighted for the latest contribution from Tesco and are excited about hitting the half way mark."

Schools aiming for specialist status in a subject area must secure £50,000 funding in sponsorship and provide a four-year plan to the government.

If the bid is successful the school will receive a lump sum which can be used to develop buildings, in Habergham's case science and technology labs, and then increased money over the next four years.

Other subjects will continue to be taught at the school in line with the National Curriculum.

The school hopes to follow in the footsteps of Ivy Bank Technology College which is now well established as a business and enterprise college. Any local company interested in sponsoring the school should contact 01282 776131 and ask for Gordon Allison.