Holy Family School could soon be given the go-ahead to build five new language classrooms.

The Keighley school hopes to extend the Ryan Block building by adding a third floor which would house the new classrooms. Plans have been drawn up by Bradford architects and surveyors - J H Langtry-Langton - and are to be submitted, following approval by the board of governors, with the school's application for language-college status in March.

In order to put in a bid to the Government for the status, the school has to raise £100,000. Already £73,000 has been collected and £21,719 raised through pledges by 75 donors. Staff are now on a final spurt to find the remaining £5,281 in time for the application deadline - Thursday, March 4.

Letters have been sent out to all parents asking for their support and a number of events are planned over the coming months in aid of the appeal.

Holy Family deputy head Sean Gilligan says: "These extra classrooms will provide more space for pupils and staff. They will also relieve pressure that has been put on other areas, especially as the school's intake has grown over the past five years. The architects belie-ved the Ryan Block was the most suitable position for the extension as it is near the car park. The other option was the Bungalow which is further away. But this was found to be not central enough and not as economical as the Ryan Block."

If the application is successful, Mr Gilligan hopes building work will start in September.

Anyone wanting to make a donation should contact the school on 01535 210212.

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