A LANCASTER school has been singled out by the Government to become a specialist sports college - earning itself a £100,000 cash grant.

Our Lady's Catholic High School is one of three schools in the county to have been awarded special status.

Alder Grange High School at Rossendale has been awarded technology status and both Our Lady's Catholic High School and Tulketh High School in Preston will become specialist sports colleges - the first in the county.

County Cllr Alan Whittaker says: "The schools had to work extremely hard to put bids together and raise the initial sponsorship money.

"I am pleased with the success of these applications. The resources will provide even more opportunities for children."

Each school had to raise £50,000 in sponsorship before they could apply to the Government for spe-cialist status and in return, they have each been awarded a capital grant of £100,000.

Our Lady's Catholic High School was successful in its first ever sports college status bid and the head teacher and governors are now looking at several sporting pro-jects in which they can invest the extra cash injection.

Head Michael Webster says: "We are abso-lutely delighted at the news. We have a strong sporting tradition at the school and look forward to offering more provision here instead of using outside sites.

"We're grateful to all the people who have supported us morally and financially."