A PRIMARY school in Stacksteads is planning a string of improvements after winning £50,000 funding from Lancashire County Council.

Holy Trinity Primary School has matched the cash with another £50,000 from its own budget, and is applying for planning permission to carry out a range of work.

As well as improving facilities for pupils, it is hoped the work will improve security at the school, which has suffered vandalism and graffiti by youths going on to the premises at night.

The full plans, which are still being drawn up, include replacing a portable classroom with a permanent one, building a security fence around the grounds, improving the woods area, and developing an outdoor play space for reception children.

Headteacher John Aspin has already written to nearby residents explaining the school's proposals.

And he said he hopes the projects can be completed by October 2004.

He hopes the security fence will prevent both youths and dogwalkers using the school grounds, disturbing local residents.

The youths are thought to be responsible for several incidents of school buildings being damaged, and the site being strewn with broken glass and daubed with graffiti.

The fence would also keep out dogwalkers, reducing the health hazard from dog mess around the school.

The nearby woods will be transformed into a valuable learning resource for the school as a location for environmental studies, sport and science.

Mr Aspin added: "Although the projects are still in the early planning stages, it is hoped they will be completed in 2004."