THE Bishop of Durham has officially launched the Durham High School for Girls' Building for a New Century Appeal at the school.

The Right Reverend Michael Turnbull attended the launch, along with six vice-presidents, governors, parents of present and former pupils, students, staff and members of the voluntary appeal leadership.

The aim of the appeal is to raise £500,000 towards the £1.5m cost of new science laboratories and a library and learning resource centre at the junior and senior girls' school at Farewell Hall, Durham.

Plans for a new two-story building, which is due to be placed on the footprint of the present science facilities, were outlined by architect Stephen Agar.

The library and learning resource centre will be placed on the ground floor of the building and the six science laboratories on the upper floor, with easy access for people with disabilities.

Headteacher Ann Templeman said that funds were being sought to establish a bursary fund to help with fees of very able local girls, whose parents could not otherwise afford the fees.

Throughout the appeal, former pupils, parents, local businesses and charitable trusts will be asked to support the project.