ST Stephen's School has played a key if unassuming role in the Skipton community ever since it opened in 1854. Now it needs a vote of confidence in its future and the key to its development for its next 150 years lies in the hands of Craven councillors who sit on the planning committee.

On Monday they meet to decide whether or not the school should be given permission to build new premises a few yards across the road which leads up to St Stephen's Church.

It only needs a short trip to the school to see the fundamental strength of its case. This is a very good, caring school with a long history of producing model young citizens to take their place in Craven's community.

Yet it has a terrible weakness. The walls and rooms of this institution are terribly cramped, hopelessly outdated and simply not conducive to the demands of a modern education establishment. It is a minor miracle that the teachers and children cope so well.

Much work has gone into overcoming objections and observations since the scheme was first put forward. A close study of its proposals convinces us that almost all negative points have been answered satisfactorily. Planning officers have recommended that this time the scheme should go through.

St Stephen's deserves its chance to emerge from the Victorian age into the 21st century.