Bradford's state-of-the-art Challenge College is launching a bid to become a specialist Technology College.

The Frizinghall comprehensive, newly-created under the district-wide schools reorganisation, is the latest in Bradford to express an interest in becoming specialist.

Under the Government scheme, schools get prestige and extra funding of up to £500,000 in return for raising standards in a given subject, innovating, working with other schools and reaching out to local communities.

But schools must find £50,000 in private sponsorship to go ahead.

Challenge College will throw open its doors to parents, interested parties and potential donors on Wednesday.

"It's a chance to listen to an outline of what a successful bid will mean to the community and the business world, followed by a chance to network, chat and discuss the links we can make between school and commerce," said history teacher and bid co-ordinator Heather Scott.

"We have sent out more than 710 letters to local and national businesses, charities, our work experience placement providers, friends and colleagues in business, and more than 800 additional letters to our parents," she said.

"The school is throwing itself into the task of raising the £50,000 needed."

The target needs to be achieved by February 15 to submit the bid. And the school says that if successful, it will receive £8.50 for each pound donated.

"Already in the pipeline are plans for a sponsored walk round Lister Park, a fashion show, a raffle, and a mini-mela.

"Our pledge fund is currently just over £10,000, but of course we need another £40,000," said Ms Scott.

Head teacher Gareth Dawkins said: "We are fortunate to have a building already equipped with technological tools that can help us to deliver our curriculum effectively, but there is much more that we would like to offer our students and the community in which we serve."

The bid will be officially launched at an open evening at Challenge College on Wednesday.

Visitors are welcome at the school in North Avenue from 7pm.