LOWTON High School has kicked off a buy-a-brick appeal to build a healthy future for the school and community.

The Journal's England football manager Sven Goran Ericsson lookalike, photographer Colin Lyne, has agreed to be patron, and he joined Leigh Centurions stars Lee Sanderson, Neil Turley and Adam Bristow and head teacher, Sue Crosdale at the fund-raising launch for a new fitness analysis suite.

The school is inviting supporters and local business to pay £10 for a brick and have their name printed on a roll of honour in the new centre.

All funds will contribute to the school's October bid for Sports College status, but the school needs to raise £50,000 to add to a government grant of £450,000 before the green light is given.

Spokesperson Sarah Appleton said: "Sports college status is a government initiative that recognises excellence in sport. It not only benefits the PE department but rolls out across the curriculum. For example the science department might analyse the science of sporting achievement or study anatomy and physiology.

"The community will also benefit from the sports and fitness initiatives that will be run by the school. Everyone from tots to the elderly will be able to make use of the new college and school facilities."