FIERCE bidding between parents and pupils raised £3,300 in an auction of promises for a local school's drive to secure specialist science status.

Within two hours of deputy head Peter Evans taking the stand as auctioneer, 180 lots had gone under the hammer in aid of Carnforth High School's appeal.

The highest bid topped £200 for signed photographs of England's rugby world cup team.

The school wants to become a specialist science college but has to first raise £50,000 in sponsorship.

"It is an enormous undertaking," says Peter. "But the status will attract more funds for teachers and resources and we will be the only college in this area specialising in science, the environment and maths."

He says the auction was 'a resounding success'. He had expected to raise about £1,000.

Prizes included an aerial tour of Carnforth in a microlight, a bike from Carnforth Cycle Centre and dinner for six, cooked and served at home by the school's office staff and a tour of the House of Commons with Geraldine Smith MP.

o To help support the school's specialist status bid call 01524-732424.