GOVERNMENT approval for a £177,000 building scheme was music to the ears of Blackpool pupils.

For the funding to renovate its music and technology departments came through after many years of bidding by St George's High School and Lancashire Education Authority.

The Cherry Tree Road school, which is proud of its band, has had to teach music in temporary accommodation for many years.

Now it is to build a dedicated music room, while updating its technology department to the cutting edge of current development.

Head of the 400-pupil school, Garry Jones, said: "These areas have desperately needed renovation for many years.

"We have been bidding constantly for money to upgrade them ever since I came four years ago, so we were delighted when we heard that we've been successful."

The money comes from the Schools Renewal Challenge Fund, for which schools have to compete.

Education Minister Stephen Byers wrote to Blackpool South MP Gordon Marsden: "It reflects great credit on the education authority and others involved in the preparation of this bid that it succeeded against such stiff competition."

Mr Marsden commented: "I am delighted the Labour Government is giving early priority to the state of our school buildings.

"It is a fulfilment of the aims we put forward in our election campaign."

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