CHERITON Fitzpaine is well on the way to having a new school. Devon County Council is paying for the building, but the school would like more funding towards the cost of moving to and equipping the new school.

Lots of letters are being written in the search for funds and at Crediton Farmers' Market in July, pupils and parents were selling shopping bags to add to the fund.

The Bags for Life had been given by Tesco because six years old Cheriton Fitzpaine pupil Katie Martin had designed the winning logo for a new bag to mark the opening of the Crediton Tesco.

The school will be moving 400 yards up the road from its 400 years old thatched building to the new one, and has to find and pay for a removal firm to do that.

The classrooms will have outdoor learning areas, a food science facility, an IT suite, playing field, gardens, wildlife pond and a hall for sports, drama and assemblies as well as an inclusive early years' provision for 3-5 year olds.

Craig Edwards, an associate governor was among the parents at the Market. "We need everything from toilet roll holders to tables and chairs. The county council provides the fixtures and fittings. Anything extra we need to buy.

"We have a wish list that goes from trees to cycle storage, netball and football equipment, things for the food science suite such as cookers, fridge, freezer, peelers, spoons, bowls, .

"For the Information Technology suite our list include 15 laptops, digital voice recorders, and then there is furniture, chairs, a coffee table and basic tea or coffee making facilities for our parent family room," said Craig.

This is why letters are being sent to local organisations and businesses to see if they can help with either a cash donation or a to give any items that would help.

The new school is being given 100 saplings by a local nursery and 20 fruit trees are being given by another school. Some equipment is being given by a local firm of kitchen fitters.

Anyone who might like to help can find out more by contacting the school on 01363 866456. Donations may be made by posted to Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton EX17 4JD. Take a look at the school website http://www.cheriton-fitzpaine-primary.devon.sch.uk">www.cheriton-fitzpaine-primary.devon.sch.uk for more information.

S Read