SCHOOL staff, pupils and parents are pulling together to raise funds for a programme of 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 internal renovations but, because it is 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 challenge, but one 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.

"Our school is situated amidst beautiful countryside, surrounded by fabulous imposing hills.

"Our school grounds are sensitively landscaped and well-equipped for the children to enjoy.

"However, internally, the building certainly looked tired and jaded and no longer reflected the vibrant environment which our 21st-Century children deserve."

Work on the project has already begun and over the summer holiday, the infants' classrooms were gutted and rebuilt and redecorated.

New cloakrooms and toilets were also put in.

The junior classrooms, a hall and an additional office are now 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 enjoy 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.justgiving.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 is being held on Saturday, September 22.