A SCHOOL will thank its supporters tonight as it prepares for its first year as a centre for performing arts.

Richmond School, in North Yorkshire, has won Government backing for specialist status and takes on its new role in September.

Tonight everyone who made donations to the bid will be acknowledged at a launch evening, which will include a short address by head teacher Phil Beevers. Work by some of the school's pupils will also be displayed in the main hall.

"Sponsorship for the project came in many forms - from £5 donated on our website to donations by old girls and boys, who made up 20 per cent of the total,'' said Richard Jones, director of performing arts.

"Local companies were also very generous to pledge what they did at a time when the area was in the grip of foot-and-mouth disease, as were the local arts organisations and the Richmond School Trust, which was, as ever, backing us to the hilt.

"Getting specialist status was a long haul and the school is thankful to all those sponsors and partners who stuck with us throughout.''