AN ambitious York school has completed an £850,000 performing arts project to become the city's answer to Fame.

Manor CE School, in Boroughbridge Road, is hoping to breed the next generation of music, dance and drama superstars if its bid to become a Specialist School in Performing Arts is successful.

If accepted, Manor would be given extra cash to become a centre of excellence in the arts and be able to let the wider community use its facilities.

The school's newly-completed revamp of its arts facilities - which took a year to finish - includes:

A state-of-the-art drama studio with a sound and lighting suite

A music room equipped with the latest technology

Five practice rooms

A maths and computer suite with 16 computers.

Head teacher Brian Crosby said: "We will now have exciting teaching and learning of the arts with first- class facilities."

GCSE drama will be taught at Manor for the first time this year, and dance within the next two years.

The school has launched a major £50,000 fundraising project as part of the bidding process.

Dave Crane, head of pastoral care and PE, has organised a celebrity dinner at York Racecourse on October 2. More than 20 television and sporting stars will be among the guests including World Cup hero Gordon Banks, commentator Jon Champion, rugby player John Bentley and Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd.

Items under auction include a signed cricket bat from cricket legend Ian Botham, a VIP day out for two at Silverstone and a signed shirt by French footballer Robert Pires.

Mr Crane said: "This will be a fantastic night out and an opportunity to help us achieve our aim of becoming a specialist school which will have benefits for the whole community.

"I've had tremendous support from Phil Richardson at PRPS Promotions and Arriva Trains in organising this."

For ticket information phone Manor School on 01904 798722 or Phil Richardson during the summer holidays on 01904 795981.

Groups which would use Manor's facilities after a change in status include local adults with learning difficulties, disabled people, and early-years groups.

"We already have a lot of talented youngsters in the arts, but becoming a specialist school would give many more people a chance to shine," Mr Crane added.

The new drama studio will be officially opened on September 27 with a performance by mask artist, Antonio Venturino.

He will then run workshops throughout the week for Year Eight pupils.

Updated: 08:37 Monday, July 14, 2003