OLD boys from a Blackburn independent school have been asked to sign-up to a monthly donation to help swell the coffers.

And the pioneering initiative at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, involves former pupils making the plea for cash.

They worked on a telephone campaign and aimed to get some 700 old boys to sign up to a £8.13 monthly direct debit or a one-off donation.

Headmaster David Hempsall hopes that some £500,000 can be raised from the scheme for major development projects - and to boost the bursary fund to help less well-off pupils attend the school.

However the money making plan has been criticised in some quarters for using "emotional blackmail".

As part of the campaign, direct debit forms, donation forms and reply paid envelopes were sent out. It is hoped that money for a £100,000 new modern language facility, new science equipment, modernising Lammack changing rooms, and internet facilities will be covered.

The 500-year-old school in Shear Brow, which is a registered charity, says it has received a positive response from more than half the people contacted and describes former students as a "mainstay" in the drive to move the school forward.

Not all people connected to the school agree with the policy.

Brian Wood's 28 year-old stepson attended QEGS until the age of 18 and now lives and works in another part of the country.

Brian, who works in promotions and lives in Preston, said: "We received a letter addressed to my stepson just before Christmas.

"Then we received another letter just a few days ago - with a direct debit form.

"I know these letters have been sent out to all ex-QEGS pupils but I find it hard to accept. It smacks of cynicism. I know they need to raise funds but it seems like a bit of emotional blackmail to me."

The plea from headmaster David Hempsall is to create "even greater opportunities for the next generation" - and is one of the first initiatives of its kind to hit East Lancashire.

The school's development director Phil Lloyd said: "This is the first time we have used this idea and I am not aware of it being used elsewhere although all schools need to generate funds.

"We sought advise from professionals about how to carry it out. Former pupils first received a letter warning them about the phone calls and offering them a chance to turn down the contact.

"Then 13 former pupils used the chance to chat about school life now, ask for the donation. Most were really happy to reminisce about school life and see how much it has changed."