COMMUNITY projects organised by a Worcester school are taking off with help from its specialist schools co-ordinator.

Retired police chief superintendent Brian Humphreys, who holds the post at Elgar Technology College, is helping the school to strengthen its links with the community with a series of partnerships with local businesses and industry.

A number of projects are in the pipeline for the school, including a Forest School which is being developed with St Peter's Garden Centre.

The school's art department has forged a link with Sovereign Graphics on the Sandy Lane Industrial Estate, Stourport-on-Severn, which is supplying the school with mounts for the students' art work and providing advice on the presentation of art work.

Another plan involves displaying pupils' artwork in the reception areas of local businesses in the hope that those businesses can provide work experience for students.

Printing company Carter Graphics has trained a member of its staff in desktop publishing techniques. Elgar has bought its own system and it plans to share desktop publishing and other reprographic assistance with some local small companies.

The school will also open its doors to adults within the community to provide affordable courses, including plans to offer basic food hygiene courses.

Elgar has formed a partnership with Rotary Club of Worcester Severn in an effort to use members' experience to help 25 selected students.

Following a series of in-depth individual interviews with headteacher Tony James, students can volunteer to see selected members of Rotary to talk to them about their life's experiences within their chosen careers.

Mr James is also due to take part in a Head Teachers into Industry (HTI) initiative called Take 5. In the project, private sector professionals offer the equivalent of five working days a year to a school that needs specific business skills to complete important projects.

Mr James said: "Take 5 will represent a win-win situation whereby the school needs to develop marketing, finance and auditing skills while the business person with whom I shall be working will gain hands-on management experience in a fascinating and also fast-moving situation.

"The demands of the school environment will prove very stimulating. Getting a fresh perspective from a professional will be invaluable to us."