TWO celebrating York schools were today saying bonjour to £600,000, after the Government announced they are to become specialist language schools.

All Saints' RC School and Millthorpe School have gained joint language school status, which will mean they will get extra cash for developing the teaching of modern foreign languages from September.

The money is also set to boost French teaching in the city's primary schools and languages teaching for adults.

The bid was made together with the City of York Council's Schools Learning Together project, which will use some of the cash for work in schools across York.

And it was backed by £50,000 in sponsorship, including a £39,000 contribution from building firm Persimmon Homes.

The successful joint bid was one of 55 announced by education minister Estelle Morris today.

She said both schools had strong modern languages departments and exam results, which meant they were well-placed to take forward plans to become centres of excellence for the city.

The city's local education authority had a history of joint working across schools, so the application was well-supported, she said.

Peter Whitcomb, head teacher at Millthorpe School, said pupils, staff and governors of both schools were delighted.

"As part of the Government's strategy for specialist schools, the two schools have set themselves challenging targets for the next four years in order to enhance results and broaden their foreign languages and international curriculum," he said.

"This is a feather in our caps and recognises the good work of the staff in both schools.

"We are looking forward with excitement to see the progress we will all make as a language college."

Chris Edwards, deputy education director at City of York Council, said the schools would receive £120,000 a year over the next four years and would receive another £150,000 for building work.

He said: "This is great news for York schools and for York employers too. It will raise language levels which should mean that more employers want to come here."

Picture-FRENCH CONNECTION: Pupils and staff from Millthorpe and All Saints' Schools in York celebrate today's news that they have been awarded £600,000 to become special status language centres Picture: David Harrison