SCHOOLS across North Yorkshire could be in line for new laboratories under a Government scheme.

Just before the end of the summer term, Westminster allocated more than £650,000 to the county under its School Laboratories for the 21st Century programme and those interested in a slice of the cash were given until the end of last month to register.

Dozens replied, although just 13 have been included on the list.

Among the applications now forwarded to the Department of Education and Employment are bids by Thirsk School and Saint John Fisher, in Harrogate, for £50,000 to adapt classrooms into laboratories.

Raincliffe, in Scarborough, and Risedale Community College, in Catterick Garrison, have also applied for more than £80,000 to cover the cost of upgrading facilities.

However, by the far the biggest scheme has been submitted by Easingwold School, which has requested more than £250,000 to help with an extension to provide two new laboratories and space for more in the future.

Raincliffe and Risedale have been earmarked for grants before the end of this financial year; the remainder may have to wait a little longer.

Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman, Councillor Betsy Hill, said she was pleased some schools can look forward to better facilities.

However, others will have been left disappointed.

"The Government gave us little time to prepare and applications had to be rushed, but it also raised expectations and there are a lot of schools who will be disappointed that they have missed out.

"I am satisfied the authority acted fairly when it was making choices but, now we can only hope money will be made available in future to accommodate those who were unsuccessful this time.

"However, we can make no guarantees."