A HIGH school bidding for language college status is appealing for cash donations to help raise £50,000 by October 8.

Habergham High School, Burnley, is hoping to give a higher profile to language learning, including widening the range of languages taught.

Headteacher David Clayton has written to parents to explain about the language college project and also about the school being awarded beacon status because of its exceptional exam results.

Mr Clayton said: "We have to raise the sum of £50,000 in order to proceed with our bid which has to be in by October 8.

"While we have raised the majority of that figure, there is as yet a shortfall so we would be grateful for any financial gifts, however small or large.

"If we are accepted for language college status the benefits are great for us and the town. A further £100,000 would be given to help us develop the project and then we would receive £120,000 per year for the maintenance of the scheme."

Habergham is aiming to work in conjunction with other schools in the town to spread the advantage of it gaining the special status.

Mr Clayton added: "There is a national shortage of people with language skills and with more firms and institutions having relations with Europe and beyond, we think that it is vital for our region and the country as a whole that our young people are able to have a command of at least one, preferably two, languages."

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