FORMER pupils are being urged to buy a brick to help re-build a Teesside school.

Old boys and girls from St Clare's RC Primary School in Acklam are being asked to pay at least £1 to sponsor a brick, in return for having their name included on a commemorative plaque.

Work got under way on the school building in January when the Roman Catholic Bishop of Middlesbrough, The Right Reverend John Crowley, cut the first turf.

Parents have been fundraising to help pay for the building in Trimdon Avenue, but so far have only raised £65,000 of their £250,000 target.

The school must raise ten per cent of the £2.4m cost itself.

Mandy Shields, a member of St Clare's fundraising committee, urged former pupils to come forward.

She said: "Since we began fundraising two years ago, more than £65,000 has been collected by parents and local parishioners, but we need to get nearly £250,000.

"We estimate around 65,000 bricks will be used and are asking former students and residents to sponsor a brick for a minimum of £1 each and in return their names will be put on a plaque in the school."

Once complete in November, the school will be able to cater for 240 children, as well as a 26-place nursery.

A summer fair will also be held in the school on Saturday, July 2, to help raise funds. Everyone is welcome.

To sponsor a brick, call the school on (01642) 815412.