A FURNITURE store has boosted a school's bid to achieve specialist status by donating £1,000 worth of goods.

Belmont School plans to apply to the Government to become a performing arts specialist.

If it is successful, the school will receive an additional £500,000 funding in the next four years, but before it can apply, it must raise £50,000 in sponsorship.

It has already reached the halfway mark, thanks to donations from Belmont Community Association, a national bank and local firms.

Now Durham Pine's Sherburn Hill branch has given £1,000-worth of furniture to be first prize in a school raffle.

Richard Brice, Belmont's deputy headteacher, said: "We strongly believe that an involvement in the performing arts will give students greater confidence in themselves, build up their self-esteem and give them the opportunity to express themselves.

"We hope to provide a range of arts activities, involving local communities and linking with Durham City Arts and Northern Arts."