CHRISTMAS was made special this year for all at Selborne CE Primary School, with news that they had been successful in a £700,000 bid to update school facilities.

According to governor, David Emmerson, the school is overjoyed: ÒThis is a fantastic Christmas present and a tremendous boost after the disappointment last year of a similar bid to the Department of Education and Skills.

ÒThe hard work and research of the head, Trudie Bateman, and her team, the parents, governors, fund raising committee and architects, have all borne fruit.Ó

According to Mr Emmerson the school has only received verbal confirmation of its success and is now awaiting details, but he was keen to let everyone know the good news.

ÒWe need to see and consider the formal written approval before drawing up detailed plans,Ó he told The Herald.

The aim, however, is to update the existing school building with the addition of two new classrooms, a kitchen, a new special needs room, a medical room, a reception area, a proper school hall and a new library with IT area - all facilities which at present the school is without.

ÒIt will mean an end to cramped classes and poor facilities,Ó said Mr Emmerson, who welcomes news of the grant as Òa green lightÓ for pupils who will be able, once the project is completed, to enjoy a modern school equipped for the 21st century.

While any plans will be designed to retain the charm and character of the existing building, there will be more room and the capacity of the school will be able to increase from the current 80 to 90 pupils, to accommodate 30 children per class.

Mr Emmerson is anticipating that the coming year will be spent in detailed planning and preparation with work commencing in 2003.

ÒIn parallel, we will have to crank our fundraising efforts into top gear since we are required to produce a contribution of about £90,000 to the final overall cost,Ó he said.

While this is acknowledged as Òa formidable targetÓ, the school has made a healthy start with £20,000 already in the coffers.

Headteacher, Trudie Bateman is "thrilled and delighted" to have such a wonderful result from the DFES.

"The new building work will give us the space to access all the curriculum which we can't at the moment. We will have room to dance, play games do PE in the hall. We will be able to have a proper IT area and library."

The project team can look forward, it seems, to a challenging and exciting time ahead!