A PARENTS' group is calling on education bosses to accept an offer from Clitheroe Royal Grammar School to help solve the annual places shortage.

Stuart Finch, from Ribble Valley Schools for Ribble Valley Children, said the change in Government policy on grammar schools should make Lancashire Education Authority take up the offer of an extra 30 places for local children.

Last week school standards minister Stephen Timms announced that grammar and non-selective schools across the country are to work together to share resources and raise standards.

Mr Finch said: "Every year we have a period where parents are told that there are not enough places in Ribble Valley schools and their children will have to go to Accrington or Walton-le-Dale.

"Every year Clitheroe Royal Grammar School offers 30 extra places, which the LEA refuses to sanction, due to political dogma."

He added: "It is hoped that with the change in central Government policy on grammar schools the LEA will work with CRGS to help solve the problems in the Ribble Valley once and for all."

The governing body at CRGS has indicated its wish to admit more pupils, providing resources are made available to build a new six-classroom block at its Chatburn Road site.

But a spokesperson for the LEA said the offer would not be an option, as to make funds available to CRGS would hinder future development at Ribblesdale and Bowland High Schools.

He said: "How any additional places would be allocated is down to the school after it has had full discussion with other admissions authorities, including Lancashire County Council.

"However, the governors did indicate that the extra places would be offered to pupils who are residents within the catchment area. This could alleviate pressure in 2002, but implies an overall expansion for places in future years that may not be needed, which could have implications for other schools."

He added: "The project would also prevent the use of remaining funds to improve the infrastructures and support the places already available at Ribblesdale and Bowland High Schools, so it is not an option."

Earlier this month the county council's executive committee for education decided to scrap plans for a new high school in the Ribble Valley in favour of £1.9million of improvements to Ribblesdale and Bowland High Schools.