A SCHOOL was paid a visit by a man hoping to bear gifts this week -- but it wasn't Santa.

Paul Wheeler from the Co-op scheme Sport for Schools dropped in at St Bartholomews Parish CofE School, in Great Harwood to check out its sports equipment with a view to providing new.

Aided by willing pupils Mr Wheeler saw the sorry state of the skittles, the forlorn footballs and other bits and bats.

He said: "Small schools often find it difficult to fund some areas of the curriculum as much as they would like to. This was exactly the case for St Bartholomew's School in Great Harwood, which has inherited a range of sports gear that has seen far better days."

Janet Roe, from the Ash Street school, added: "As with any school we really do want the best for our children and joining the scheme will enable us to obtain some sports equipment that we would otherwise have to do without."

The scheme works on a voucher system available from participating United Norwest Co-op stores.

Schools wanting to register should call Sports for Schools on 0161 817 4215 or email inquiries@sportsfor

schools.co.uk

Picture: Paul Wheeler with pupils Tara Hargreaves, five, and six-year-old Connor Hargreaves.