A PERSHORE school struggling to teach children information and communication technology (ICT) has launched an appeal for a new computer suite.

Abbey Park First School needs to raise £10,000 to help pay for the new computers and ICT suite.

Worcestershire County Council is also funding the project.

It will help youngsters aged from three to nine get to grips with software and National Curriculum requirements.

"At the moment we have a PC in each classroom," said acting headteacher Angela Beddow.

"There are also a couple of laptops but they don't always work very effectively.

"We'll have four children sharing a laptop and they can't always see what's on the screen.

"A new ICT suite would be fantastic. It would mean two children sharing."

The school hopes it will be built in March next year and will house 18 PCs.

An interactive whiteboard will also be implemented, allowing for more effective teaching than at present.

The school, in Abbey Road, also hopes the community will be involved in using the suite after school hours.

The library will also be extended to create an all round learning centre.

"Everyone in the school does ICT," said Mrs Beddow.

"They do all sorts from word processing to delving on the internet.

"The three-year-olds don't use the computers as much but they do have a go.

"We use a lot of software packages for maths and literacy but it's quite difficult to do that with limited resources."

The school has already received a cheque for £500 from Pershore Round Table and £750 from Barclays Bank.

"We'll be doing all the normal fund-raising events but it's not enough, so we're trying to attract businesses," said Mrs Beddow.

"We have a computer display in our entrance hall and people can buy a 'monitor' or just a 'key' from the display to help us."

Anyone who would like to help Abbey Park First School reach their target can call 01386 552722.