A BLACKPOOL boys' school, due to admit girls for the first time next year, needs help to choose a new name to mark its new status.

Warbreck High School - which decided to open its doors to both sexes after suffering falling pupil numbers - was recently praised by government inspectors for its educational improvements.

Next year the buildings will be modernised in preparation for going co-educational, so the year 2000 will mark a new beginning for the 30-year-old school.

The school itself favours Beacon Hill or Hillcrest, but the whole community is being asked for ideas, which must be in by next Tuesday (September 14) so that governors can vote on their choice the following night. Blackpool Council executive committee will then give its seal of approval.

Headteacher Michael Wilmore said: "Some will say it is sad to see our historic and familiar title being dropped, but our change to co-educational status has created a wonderful opportunity to ask our pupils, parents, staff, governors and local people for ideas on a new name.

"I urge people to come forward with suggestions and help the school and its pupils shake off its chequered past and old boys' school image as we look to a brighter future."

Ideas should be sent to Warbreck High School, Warbreck Hill Road, Blackpool FY2 0TS or phone (01253) 355493.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.