A NORTH Yorkshire school is grasping a golden opportunity to win £450,000 of Government cash to make real its dream of becoming a specialist performing arts centre.

Ryedale School, at Nawton, near Helmsley - which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year - launched its bid to become a specialist centre today.

By raising £50,000, the school could receive nine times that amount to fund new facilities for the school and the wider community, head teacher Geoff Jenkinson explained.

"It's such an attractive option, it's too good an opportunity to miss."

The school hopes to build an ambitious studio space, complete with retractable tiered seating, sprung floor, recording studio and rehearsal rooms as part of the £100,000 capital build project.

About £100,000 every year for four years is then available to buy in specialist teachers, equipment and work on projects.

"The aim of the bid is that it will enhance drama, music and dance provision in the school and in the wider community.

"Using those skills, it will facilitate whole school improvement, providing youngsters with some of the key skills they need to enter the world of work."

Mr Jenkinson said the benefits to the community could not be underestimated.

"We have a whole range of ideas on how to do community work, buying in specialist dance teachers who may be doing twilight classes, working with local primary schools, or offering performing arts activities for all ages - everything from tea dances to festivals."

Local businesses would also reap the benefits. The school hopes to have the £50,000 raised by March next year, ready for the performing arts cash to be directed towards the school in September 2004 if the bid is successful. Parent David Collier, whose daughter, Anna, is in Year 8, and fellow cyclist Martin Lush, have already set off at a pace to launch the fundraising challenge.

The duo completed the gruelling Sea to Sea challenge, cycling 140 miles - and climbing more than 13,000ft - from the Irish Sea to the North Sea in only 13 hours. Their efforts have already put more than £2,000 into the fundraising pot.

Updated: 10:39 Tuesday, June 17, 2003