A HIGH school has won its race against time to raise £30,000 in just six days to back up its bid for prestigious technology college status.

Firms and organisations in Barnoldswick dug deep into their pockets in response to West Craven High's last-ditch plea for cash backing to enable it to apply to become a centre of excellence.

The Barnoldswick school had raised £70,000 of the £100,000 needed last Friday, a week before today's deadline to apply to education chiefs ran out.

Over the past seven days companies impressed by the school's recent initiatives, including the establishment of hi-tech computer suites costing £93,000, have come up with promises of money to allow it to forge ahead towards its dream.

"We are absolutely delighted local industry and businesses have shown, by being willing to invest in our children, that they have confidence in our abilities to bring a new and vital dimension to the educational provision in Pendle and we can't thank them enough," said head Arnold Kuchartschuk.

"This project, if successful, will help raise standards, enhance the employability of our young people, provide them with equal access to curriculum opportunities and provide industry and businesses with a local skill training centre as well as all the advantages of being linked to the Technology Colleges Trust."

If the technology college bid is successful the Government will match the sponsorship total. The school should be given a decision by the Department For Education and Employment in May.

Sponsoring firms will be able to use the school's high-tech facilities, including inter-active digital whiteboard, video conferencing and access to information and communication technology courses.

Mansfield High School, Brierfield, was the first school in Pendle to be granted technology college status but had it taken away last year after allegations of financial mismanagement and irregularities connected with its bid.

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