A BLACKBURN high school has won a £20,000 award for an innovative high tech scheme aimed at setting up better links with another school in the area.

The cash has been awarded to Queen's Park School, where a communications centre will be set up to link the school with Crosshill Special School.

Both are in the town's education action zone and already have many links and are putting together a joint bid for technology college status.

The award is part of BT's Link School award scheme, in which participating schools submit their ideas for harnessing information technology to support education programmes.

Parents, community groups and local businesses will also be able to use the communications centre once it is up and running.

Head teacher Vicky Devonport, said: "Everyone connected with the award is highly delighted by the news. This will enable us to take learning to new heights and provide the best opportunities for our young people.

"We will not only share our resources and expertise with Crosshill, but with so many more schools and community groups. This success highlights the determination and commitment of the staff of the school and I am pleased that BT is able to play a full part in making learning exciting for the school."

Peter Thompson, BT's community operations manager, said: "These awards are a key part of our developing partnership with the education sector.

"We were very impressed with Queen's Park High School's project because it demonstrates admirably how information communications can enhance teaching and learning throughout the curriculum."

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