DISABLED pupils across East Lancashire will be able to access all areas thanks to a £10million schools boost.

The money will be used to fund a wide range of improvements, including the installation of lifts, ramps and easy-to-open doors for children with mobility problems.

It will also buy specialised information and communications technology equipment to benefit pupils with a range of disabilities in the North-West.

In Blackburn, St Bede's RC High School will receive £36,720 and St Cuthbert's CE Primary in Darwen will get £28,900.

Lancashire County Council schools included in the hand-out are:

St Oswald's CE Primary, Knuzden -- £29,335.

St James CE Primary, Clitheroe -- £14,787.

Brennard's Endowed Primary, Slaidburn -- £32,975.

St John the Baptist RC Primary, Padiham -- £5,089

St Augustine's of Canterbury RC Primary, Burnley -- £29,096.

St Theodore's RC High, Burnley -- £2,910.

St John Southworth RC Primary, Nelson -- £11,478.

Stonefold St John's CE Primary, Haslingden -- £33,215.

All Saints RC High, Rossendale -- £19,382.

John Challoner, headteacher at St Bede's in Blackburn, said: "We have three severely disabled pupils here and need to improve ramps throughout the school.

"It's all about inclusion; making sure we can look after children with physical disabilities in school."

But he added: "The money is never enough, of course. You're talking £120,000 to put in a lift or build a new classroom. One might benefit one child, and the other 30 at a time for 20 years."

Janet Grime, headteacher at St Cuthbert's, added: "We have a parent who is disabled. It is important that everyone who wants to attend can have access to the school."

She added that St Cuthbert's was also to benefit from a new classroom for pupils with moderate learning difficulties and a new computer suite which were being funded by the education authority and the school.

Schools Minister Catherine Ashton announced £70 million was being made available nationwide in the second phase of a £220 million Schools Access Initiative.

Other improvements for which cash will become available after April 1 are bright paint schemes and adjustable lighting for partially-sighted children and acoustic loops for deaf pupils.

She said: "The Government is firmly committed to ensuring that all children reach their full potential, and the seven-fold increase in funding over the past six years is clear evidence of this.

"The money will create further opportunities for pupils with disabilities and remove barriers to achievement."