A Darlington secondary school has renewed its appeal for local businesses to help with its bid for specialist college status.

Branksome School launched its appeal to raise £50,000 to become a specialist business and enterprise college last month.

But since the start of the high profile campaign, launched by Health Secretary and Darlington MP, Alan Milburn, the school has failed to attract enough interest or offers of money.

Mr Milburn said this week: "A successful bid would be a boost to enterprise and skills in Darlington, that is why I agreed to launch it.

"What the school needs now is support from the Darlington business community. Branksome doesn't just need cash, but businesses who want to be part of the school and help make Darlington a business and enterprise town."

Representatives from hundreds of local businesses attended the launch, but the school is still no nearer raising the £50,000 it needs by October to submit its bid.

Head teacher Linda Hartley said: "We have contacted about 350 businesses and sent them information and asked for help, but we have had almost no response.

"So far we have got about £23,000, but £20,000 of that came from the old Tees Valley Training and Enterprise Council. We are struggling and need a last big push before the summer holidays if we are going to make it."

If successful, the school would receive a further £100,000 capital grant from the Government, plus increased funding per pupil for at least four years.

Part of the money will be used to build a business and enterprise centre in the inner quadrangle of the school.

The school is continuing to organise fundraising events over the coming weeks. Next Friday there will be a big band jazz night at the school where pupils and staff will perform alongside the Darlington regional and county jazz bands. A raffle will be drawn on the night, with prizes including a karaoke machine, TV, colour printer and beauty treatments.

The prizes also include a Great North Country Fare food hamper, given by the D&S Times.

The evening starts at 7pm and tickets can be bought in advance from the school or on the door.

On Monday, July 1, there will be a fashion and beauty show at Blackwell Grange Hotel featuring high street names such as Miss Selfridge, Warehouse, the Body Shop, Saks and Hugo Boss. Again tickets can be bought in advance or on the door for the show which starts at 7.30.

The annual school production, Dazzle, runs for three nights from July 3-5 and a race night is held at Darlington Rugby Club, Grange Road, on Friday, July 12, at 7.30.