A LEADING independent school's new chairman of governors has appealed for donations to help provide places for children from less well-off backgrounds.

The last wave of pupils on the Government's assisted places scheme graduated from Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, this summer.

The scheme was axed in 1997 but still provided them with assistance until they finished at the school.

Now the school has to find around £400,000 in sponsorship or funds to continue offering places to children from less well-off backgrounds. Around 30 per cent of the school's 800-places have been assisted.

David Forbes, recently elected to take over from Christopher Haworth, is calling upon former pupils, parents and all those with an interest in the school to support the QEGS Development Appeal.

"As there is now no Government support available, we need help from everyone who cares about giving a helping hand to those who might otherwise miss the chance to benefit from a QEGS education," he said.

"Sponsors may choose to make a donation directly to the Bursary Fund to help all students, or sponsor an individual student."

The chairman, whose family associations with the school extend through most of the last century, wants to help more children benefit from a QEGS education. Fees per year are £7,335.

He said: "My father and uncle were pupils at QEGS, as was I, my two brothers and more recently my son Andrew."

Mr Forbes, who is a senior partner with the local firm of solicitors that bears the family name, added: "I am rather steeped in QEGS and its traditions and I am keen to continue to support the school. The help we need is not just for capital expenditure projects, some of the support needed is in the form of bursaries.

"Assisting pupils who would not otherwise be able to share the benefits Queen Elizabeth's has to offer is a very important aspect of the culture and historic tradition of our School."

Further details of how to support the Bursary Fund are available from the School's Appeal Director Joanna Lavelle on 01254 686300.