FUNDRAISING efforts have been stepped up for a state-of-the-art sports-hall floor at a Ribble Valley school.

The sports hall at Longridge High School is used by more than 400 people each week but is in a dire state of repair after being installed 30 years ago.

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The school has raised £20,000 of the £60,000 total for the work which it hopes to start during the summer holidays in order to minimise disruption to pupils and the community.

The floor at the Longridge Sports & Arts Centre, which is based within the school in Preston Road, has started to show its age and has holes in several places.

The Granwood floor has been in urgent need of a new cushioned surface for at least the past two years Outside school hours the hall is frequented and supported by both sporting and non-sporting organisations including Longridge Town Football Club, Longridge Cricket Club, Longridge Netball Club and drama and music group Stage For School.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has promised to contribute £5,000 towards the project — and pupils have raised money through a sponsored walk, cake sales and a sports-awards evening.

Headteacher Jane Green said: “We are at the heart of the community in terms of sports and we need to make sure that we have the best facilities for the people of Longridge and the surrounding area.

“This new floor will have a huge impact on everyone and will be a great asset for the area. We have been looking to carry out this work for some time and we are hoping to get it completed by the start of the new school year.”

Longridge resident Tedd Walmsley said: “Longridge is often seen as the poor relation to Clitheroe in terms of council facilities so this one at the school is highly supported by the community. It is vital for the area because there is not a lot of choice in this part of the Ribble Valley.”

The next fundraiser will be a golf day at Longridge Golf Club in May. The competition is a Texas scramble, with four people making up each team. Entry is £200 per team, including all course fees, a lunch and evening meal for each player.

Call the school on 01772 782316 or email ceb@longridge-high.lancsngfl.ac.uk for more details.