STAFF, pupils and parents are pulling together to raise funds for an ambitious programme of school renovation.

The 122-pupil Kirkby and Great Broughton Church of England School has set itself the target of raising £25,000 by the end of the year.

Support for the improvement programme has come from the Diocesan Board of Education and North Yorkshire County Council.

They have awarded £250,000 to fund vital internal renovations. But, as a Church-aided school, ten per cent of the grant must be raised by the school.

Headteacher Celia Curry said, "Our fundraising target of £25,000 is a challenging one, but one which we are sure we can meet.

"Children, parents and the wider school community are all encouraged to join in with this effort to give our children the best beginning we can."

Work on the project has begun and, over the summer holiday, the infants' classrooms were gutted then rebuilt and redecorated. New cloakrooms and toilets were also put in.

The junior classrooms, a new-look hall and an additional office are all on target to be completed before the end of term.

"All children deserve to be valued and respected, and creating a quality environment which they can value and respect is crucial in this process," said Mrs Curry.

The school is planning a champagne launch for its fundraising campaign on Tuesday, when guests will be given a presentation followed by a tour led by pupils.

It will be the start of an intensive period of fundraising for the school and a website, www.just giving.com/fokgbs, has been set up to allow individuals to donate or raise money for the appeal.

Pupils old and new, local businesses and residents are also being offered the opportunity to sponsor a brick, as part of the pathway to the school, and a band night will be held on Saturday, September 22.