A CALL has gone out to businesses to help a Kearsley school become maths specialists.

Students, staff, governors and parents of George Tomlinson School on Springfield Road, Kearsley, are applying to become a specialist school in maths and computing - which would make it the first of its type in Bolton.

To achieve this status, the school must raise £50,000 by February 2006, and it is calling on interested companies to join the campaign.

Christine Chatterley, assistant headteacher at the school, said: "The £50,000 is seen by the Government as a sign of commitment from the local community.

"If we hit the target, it will then match that figure to the tune of £500,000.

"We have attracted £15,000 from Microsoft and hope to raise a further £5,000 through school fund raising efforts such as a talent show, a sponsored walk, non-uniform days, bag-packing and Christmas carol singing.

"But we are having real difficulty attracting business and commercial interests as sponsorship and enterprise partners."

If the school achieves specialist status, it could become a Microsoft Academy, offering user and technical qualifications not just to pupils but also to members of the local community.

Mrs Chatterley said: "We firmly believe in the value of education in improving opportunities.

"If we were to achieve this status could begin to affect the lives of a number of people.

"I feel sure there are businesses out there who are looking to the future and have a vision of what this venture could mean."

Form more information contact Christine Chatterley on 01204 332555.