AN east Cleveland school's bid to achieve specialist teaching status has moved on a step, thanks to a public consultation exercise.

Laurence Jackson School at Guisborough is hoping to build on successes in the sporting field and achieve specialist status as a Sports College.

Teachers say there will be benefits for pupils at all schools throughout east Cleveland as well as Prior Pursglove College and the wider community in Guisborough.

The school is in the process of putting its bid together and as a result has to consult with the community to discuss ideas and concerns that parents particularly may have.

On Thursday of last week, representatives from the schools and colleges visited the school during the day and in the evening it was the turn of local people to find out more about the school's plans.

John Downs, deputy headteacher, said he was delighted with the success of the consultation.

"It was a tremendous response and far exceeded anything we were expecting. It was very encouraging."

The school now has until the autumn to prepare its bid and will hear at the beginning of next year whether it has been successful.