A Rawdon father has come up with an ingenious way of boosting Benton Park School funds.

Martin Wainwright, whose two sons go to the school, came up with the idea of bottling a mineral found only in the Fort Benton Mountains, close to the Yellowstone National Park.

Called Bentonite, the clay derived from volcanic ash has already raised more than £100 for Benton Park funds and has led to the school developing a link with Fort Benton High School in the United States.

Mr Wainwright, who writes for The Guardian newspaper, said he was keen to establish a link between Bentonite and the school.

He said: "It is the most amazing substance with a lot of different uses. There is a lot to be learnt about it. We must keep promoting it."

The clay was first found in America in the Fort Benton Mountains, close to the Yellowstone national park, and was used by native Americans as an abrasive soap.

"It is now used in civil engineering throughout the world and is best known for it's ability to absorb water.

"It can soak up to 18 times its own volume. Its other uses range from alternative medicine to cat litter."

Pupils and parents attempting to establish links between Bentonite and the school have tracked back the mineral's name to its place of origin and a US Senator called Benton whose family emigrated from England.

In the process, links have formed with Fort Benton High School in America who have details of Benton Park on their web site.

Deputy head of Benton Park Richard Hoban is delighted with the interest it has attracted.

He said: "It is a really interesting idea for publicity. Martin comes up with wonderful ideas to promote the school.

"He works tirelessly and we are incredibly grateful. He is an exceptional parent."

Pupil Sophie Wysoczanski, 13, said: "It's a really good idea. It looks a bit wierd though, like cat litter."

Bottles are available from the Yeadon & Rawdon Technology in the Community Fund, of which Mr Wainwright is chairman, which has paid for £50,000 worth of equipment for local schools over the past three years.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.