A SCHOOL committed to technology is appealing to businesses to step in with funding after a Government initiative ends.

Computers and digital equipment have transformed lessons at Hunwick Primary School since a Testbed project started in 2002.

Pupils now confidently use computers and other electronic equipment, while parents and other village residents have embraced the same technology through computing, family history and digital art classes.

Headteacher Sue Smith was presented with a national 2006 ICT in Practice award for her leadership and the school was one of the first 20 in the country to receive a new ICT Mark.

Mrs Smith was invited to meet Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street last year and gives regular talks to fellow professionals.

She said: "Technology has made a huge impact on learning. Every child has access to a laptop, but it is about much more than that.

"They are familiar with video conferencing and digital videos and cameras, and we use interactive whiteboards and other equipment every day.

"The important thing is to know where to use technology and where not. Children still need to use the basics, and they are not forgotten.

"It is difficult to quantify the effect on results, because we were already a successful school with 100 per cent at key stage two, but we know it has been particularly beneficial to boys and special-needs children.

"We are so sure of the benefits that the governors want to continue when Testbed funding ends in April.

"They are appealing to businesses for support because we need £25,000 a year to sustain what we are doing and set up a rolling programme of replacement and development.

"I really do think that ICT is the future for children, and we need to be able to keep ahead."