THE Bishop of Bradford will be launching a £3 million appeal in Skipton to fund building work at local schools.

The Rt Rev David Smith will outline his appeal at Skipton Building Society to an invited audience of business people and Skipton clergy on September 27.

The money raised will top up the Barchester Fund which provides interest free loans towards building maintenance costs. Some of the voluntary aided schools, which the Anglican church aims to maintain, are over 100 years old.

One of the schools which will benefit is Carleton Endowed Primary School which has secured money for better security, improved library facilities, a larger staff room and a purpose built office.

The Barchester Loan will meet 15 per cent of the £25,682 cost of the extension and building work is expected to start next spring.

Headteacher Alan Baker said: "A new extension will provide a purpose built office for the school secretary, and a new secure entrance to the school where visitors will have to report before being allowed in.

"The extension will also improve the library space, which can be uncomfortable for pupils in bad weather because it is too close to the current school entrance."

Bishop David said: "The church is rightly concerned about the quality of people's lives in today's society and I believe that our local schools provide a strong cornerstone upon which to build.

"This appeal offers an opportunity for business people, individuals and organisations who wish to contribute."

John Goodfellow, chief executive of Skipton Building Society, said: "It is an expensive task to maintain and run school premises and the church provides excellent education for our region's children.Those who support this very worthwhile appeal are investing not only in our children of today but also the workforce of tomorrow."

Unusually, the appeal organisers, headed by Archdeacon of Craven, the Ven Malcolm Grundy, would welcome pledges in kind as well as finance from anyone who can provide a service like joinery, architecture, plumbing or surveying.

Appeal director Franklin Schutz said anyone interested was welcome to attend SBS on September 27 at 4pm, but for those who could not make it he would be willing to visit them in person. For more information and an invitation to the event contact Mr Schutz on 01756 795755.