A BURY high school is bidding for £400,000 to spearhead the development of an "open for all" sports college to benefit pupils and the community.

And if given the go-ahead for specialist school status, Broad Oak will offer a range of sporting activities and be open to the public during the evenings and weekends.

But the school has to initially secure vital sponsorship of £50,000 if its dream of establishing a specialist schools sports college is to be realised.

The announcement of the bold initiative was made by headteacher Mr Andrew Mackenzie during a meeting of Bury East area board.

He said the Government launched its specialist schools scheme around four years ago to allow schools to drive attainment forward in certain areas.

Mr Mackenzie said Broad Oak's funding bid for such a status was currently being finalised and would be lodged in March.

"But we have to secure £50,000 worth of sponsorship which will be a bit difficult for us to raise. This could be from businesses, individuals or anyone else, but not public money. "This is an opportunity to bring money in from the Government to enhance provision at Broad Oak."

If successful, the school could be awarded £400,000 to run the specialist schools sports college over an initial three-year period.

The development, which will include training in various sports, will benefit school children and people from the local community.

"We see our school as part of the community we serve," stressed Mr Mackenzie. "We want to make the best possible use of resources and make Broad Oak a centre for learning in the community."

If the cash bid succeeds, then £150,000 will be earmarked for improvements to existing sports facilities.

Mr Mackenzie disclosed Broad Oak was already holding talks with various sporting bodies, including the Lawn Tennis Association and British Fencing Association.

Commenting on the plans for the sports college, he said: "We want to develop a whole range of activities in the school and form links with various groups.

"Our vision is to be open in the evenings, weekends and holidays and to make a real difference to the community.

"If our bid is successful, we will be one of the first specialist schools in Bury.

"We want to extend the current sporting provision at Broad Oak and I believe the designation of a specialist schools college will bring great benefit to the area."

The major objectives of the initiative are:

To extend the range of sporting activities at the school

Offer a programme of structured facilities for the community

Create availability for the community and develop a fitness centre as part of this plan

To link up with existing clubs in the area.

The headteacher told the meeting: "We are still working on the specifics. But I see this as a very exciting development."

Mr Mackenzie said the scheme would build on Broad Oak's existing strengths on the sporting front.

The funding bid will be lodged in March and a decision should be given in July.

And if approval is received, then the specialist schools college could be operational in September.

Anyone wishing to offer sponsorship should contact Mr Mackenzie at Broad Oak High School.