A HIGH school applying for specialist status is pleading with businesses across Worcestershire to help raise cash for its bid.

The Chantry High School, Martley, is completing an application to the DfES for Technology status, which would be worth around £450,000 to the area.

Parents and other donations have raised £35,000, however the rural school needs to raise £15,000 from businesses to prove its links with the community.

With Wednesday's deadline fast approaching, it is still £8,000 short of this target.

"We are in a rural area and there are not many companies nearby so it has been hard to raise the money," said assistant headteacher and project manager Lisa Seabright.

"Parents have been fantastic and keep offering us more money but we can't accept it - this money has to come from businesses.

"We are asking as many companies as possible to offer us whatever they can."

A successful bid would net the Martley school £100,000, plus around £86,000 each year for four years.

The money would be used to develop technology - such as ICT facilities - at the school, as well as benefit the surrounding community.

Businesses of any size can sponsor the programme and those looking to do so should contact the school on 01886 887100.