FORMER pupils are being asked to re-shape the future of their old school by donating cash to its new building fund.

St Clare's Roman Catholic Primary School in Acklam, Middlesbrough, is being totally rebuilt, but parents and teachers must find ten per cent of the £2.5m cost themselves.

Former students are being invited to buy a brick for the project for as little as £1, and relatives of any pupils who have died can commemorate their loved ones by sponsoring a brick in their name.

All those who give will have their names included on a plaque in the new building.

Mandy Shields, chairwoman of fundraising, said a number of events were being organised to boost funds, including a school reunion for September or October and an autumn open day.

Past pupils can also join the school's 100 Club, where they pay £1 a week for a regular number in the prize draw.

"We are looking to raise about £250,000 in total, but we have already reached £65,000 in two years," said Mrs Shields.

"The diocese has loaned us the money towards the building cost, but we have to prove that we can pay that back, almost like a mortgage.

"We are appealing for former students to support us by sponsoring a brick, or supporting one of our other fundraising activities.

"Even if people donate just £1, it will make a big difference."

Deputy headteacher Anne Feeney said St Clare's was a close-knit community school, built in the early 1970s, where many former students now send their own children.

Every class has at least two or three children in it whose parents also attended the school.

"This school has served us very well, but it is now structurally unstable," she said.

"We have got cracks in the walls and the floors are rising.

"We are extremely excited about the new school, which is being built on the school field, and we hope to have it open by Christmas.

"It's going to be a great school - set up for education in the second millennium."

People can also support the fundraising by attending the school's summer fair on Saturday, July 2, from noon.

Anyone interested in donating cash to the fund, or sponsoring a brick, can send cheques payable to St Clare's School Governors' Fund, St Clare's School, Trimdon Avenue, Acklam, Middlesbrough, or call (01642) 815412. Enclose your full name.