THE schoolchildren in front love Toyota after the car manufacturer gave two Horwich schools a bumper cash award to develop classroom science projects.

Chorley New Road and Claypool primary schools received the £1,500 grant as part of Toyota's national science and technology education initiative.

It was handed over by local dealer RRG Bolton.

The Toyota Science and Technology Education Fund, run in partnership with Business in the Community (BITC), supports science education in primary and secondary schools and encourages links between schools and local businesses.

Ron Hey, of RRG Bolton, said: ''Government reports show science and technology education is vital to the long-term industrial future of the UK.

''Through creating links between local schools and businesses, the fund enables teachers and businesses to work together to inspire the scientists and engineers of the future.''

The Toyota fund gives grants of up to £1,000 per project, with each one supporting National Curriculum Science and Technology teaching in the schools concerned.

Toyota has committed £1.2 million over six years for schools across the country with thousands requesting information on receiving grants. In Bolton, 14 schools have now been awarded them.

Youngsters from Chorley New Road school are looking forward to visiting Manchester Weather Centre as the grant is being used for a project based on weather forecasting and weather stations.

Pupils at Claypool are involved in technology projects linking the school with the car and textile industries and teachers have been on placement at Rolls Royce, Crewe, and Halbro Sportswear in Horwich.

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