THE Bishop of Durham has officially launched a school's building appeal.

The Right Reverend Michael Turnbull attended the launch reception for Durham High School for Girls' Building for a New Century project.

The appeal aims to raise £500,000 towards the £1.5m needed to build six science laboratories and a library and learning resource centre at the independent girls' day school.

Pupils, parents, businesses and charitable trusts are being asked to support the appeal.