TODMORDEN College has raised £50,000 to achieve its aim of becoming an arts college.

And now the school in Ewood Lane is waiting to hear if the government keeps its promise of adding £100,000 to the fund.

The college raised a total £42,900 from local businesses, the school association and Calderdale Community Foundation.

Earlier this week Todmorden Town Council supplied the £7,100 needed to reach their total.

Headteacher at the school Ed Collins said: "A variety of local businesses and organisations helped us get the money together, if the government approves our bid they will add £100,000 to it."

The bid for art college status will, according to Mr Collins, improve learning opportunities for pupils, raise the standards of education and extend links with businesses and other schools.

"We are delighted to have got the £50,000 together, but realistic in knowing that it is only a bid and not a grant.

If the bid for government cash is successful the money will be used to hire additional staff, improve resources and build new workshop and exhibition space.

Todmorden councillor Ruth Goldthorpe is also a governor of the school. She said: "The bid was sent yesterday and we will hear in January whether we have been successful or not.

"It will be a great boost for the school and the community as well. The new equipment that is being bought will be available for the use of the wider community, as it is now."