SECONDARY education in North-allerton has received a further boost in government funding, taking its total of special extra grants to more than £1m.

The news was announced as it was revealed that Northallerton college and its partner, the Allertonshire school, have had their technology college status extended for a further three years.

They were awarded technology college status in 1998 after a whirlwind campaign raised well over £100,000 from local businesses and supporters in about five months.

That ensured extra funding for three years totalling £450,000. Now their bid for a second three-year phase has been accepted and they will receive more than £600,000 in that time, bringing total additional funding to more than £1m.

College principal Mrs Jennifer Slater said: "We are delighted for students and staff at the college, but we also thank those local business people and supporters who had the courage and foresight to support us in 1998. Their financial help unlocked government grants which have now increased our original funding tenfold."

The additional funding has enhanced the resources and character of the college and the school, particularly in the areas of science, maths, design technology and information technology.