A DARLINGTON school has had its bid for specialist sports college status turned down.

Longfield Comprehensive School campaigned last year, with the support of The Northern Echo, to raise £50,000 in order to submit its bid for special status.

The money was raised quickly, but the school was then told it needed to obtain a further £5,000.

It raised that amount by March this year, but has now found out that its bid has been refused because the school's sporting facilities are not up to standard.

"Unfortunately, our bid for specialist status has been turned down mainly on the grounds that our facilities are poor," said acting headteacher Sue Byrne.

"If we are to resubmit a bid it is even more important that we develop our sporting facilities.

"The development of the tennis centre would clearly be a tremendous boost."

The comprehensive school is expected to consider whether to reapply next term when new headteacher Keith Cotgrave is in place.