A Colchester school has just four days to raise £4,000 to bid for the first business and enterprise college status in Essex.

St Benedict's College needs the money to attain the £50,000 sponsorship money required by the Government in order to submit its bid to the Department for Education and Skills this Friday.

Headteacher Alan Whelan said: "We would appeal to anyone, particularly past pupils, for any amount they can give from as little as £10 upwards. We appreciate any support they can give us,"

The school has been raising funds for the project since January.

"It has been a major task to get as far as we have, a couple of hundred more has just come in but we are still a few thousand short."

Mr Whelan explained: "Even £10 is worth it to us. We can get some money returned by the tax man, so that £10 will in fact be worth about £13,"

"We can also accept pledges, as long as people can deliver on them, because the actual money will not be required until July 1."

The school has attracted support from a number of businesses and some individuals.

Anyone who would like to help sponsor the bid should telephone St Benedict's College on 01206 549222

Published Tuesday, March 12, 2002