FOUR Bolton primary schools are celebrating today after learning they are to receive a £250,000 windfall for urgent repairs. The schools were overlooked in the first round of bids for the Government's New Deal for Schools, but have been given the cash in a second award.

St John's RC Primary School in Bromley Cross, Bishop Bridgeman Primary School in Great Lever, St Matthew's Primary School in Little Lever and Christ Church Primary School in Harwood will now share in the £16 million allocated nationwide and aimed at church schools.

Staff at Bolton Council's Education Department joined with representatives from the Catholic Church and the Church of England authorities to fast-track the successful bids for roof repairs.

Councillor Linda Thomas, education portfolio holder, welcomed the new investment, saying: "This is badly-needed work, but without extra investment from the Government, it is not something which could have been tackled so soon. The extra money means these schools can put away their mops and buckets and concentrate their time and money on education, not patching up and making do."