Last updated at 16:57, Friday, 11 January 2013

A SOUTH Lakes village school has called on its community’s help in a bid to win £80,000.

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Hawkshead Esthwaite Primary School is one of six finalists in a national competition to win a fully-constructed timber classroom.

The South Cumbrian school is the only finalist north of Birmingham in the give away run by the Times Educational Supplement and Clearspace Buildings.

The Hawkshead school was shortlisted from more than 600 entries and staff and pupils hope to win the modern Cedarwood building to replace its pre-school building, which is in urgent need of repair.

Hawkshead Pre-School, which is on the school site, is run as a charity.

The existing building, which was bought after a fundraising effort, has started to rot, has fungus and the roof leaks.

The pre-school had already decided to start fundraising for a new building.

The winning school will get to pick the design and layout and the building will be constructed during Easter.

Hawkshead Esthwaite headteacher, Joyce Hallam, and bursar Terry McGarr spotted the competition and Mr McGarr submitted an application.

Mrs Hallam said: “It would be amazing if we won, it would be such a boost for the pre-school and the school, and the community because it would be used for other purposes.

“We would like a building that is eco-friendly and better quality. We would be delighted if people wish to support us.”

Mrs Hallam said having a pre-school on site was very important for a small school.

Tracey Thornley, Hawkshead Pre-School leader, said: “A new building would just be brilliant to solve all our problems.

“We have had a leaky roof for a while and wet patches. There is also rot and fungus.”

All the finalists created short videos about their bid. Hawkshead’s video is set to the Bee Gees song Stayin’ Alive.

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron said: “The school is the hub of the community and plays a key role in community life.

“I hope that residents from throughout South Lakeland will join with me and support them in their bid for this £80,000 building.

“Our votes could make a massive difference to young people in Hawkshead and the surrounding villages so please do vote.”

Voting begins on Thursday at www.tes.connect.com/building.

It is open to those registered at the TES website, which is free to join.

First published at 16:44, Friday, 11 January 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk