A ROSSENDALE high school has launched a fundraising campaign in a bid to raise £250,000 towards the cost of a new sports hall.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Waterfoot, has already secured £750,000 from private sponsors to fund the replacement of its gymnasium.

The new sports centre will have a three-storey classroom and it is hoped building work will start in July and be completed by spring 2005.

All parents are being invited to a series of presentation evenings to hear about plans for the sports hall.

Headteacher Martyn Morris said: "Parents have always been supportive so we have been thrilled but not surprised by the immediate generosity of parents towards the sports hall.

"The gym is our only indoor sports facility but it was built over 60 years ago and was intended for fewer than 300 pupils. The gym is totally overstretched and inadequate for 1,200 pupils."

The new sports hall will comprise a full size netball court suitable for county level matches, a basketball court and facilities for volleyball, indoor football and cricket.

There will also be changing rooms for up to 90 pupils as well as two large classrooms.

To pledge a donation contact Emma Gauntlett, development director, for the BRGS Sports Hall Appeal as soon as possible on 01706 234500.