Parents were today urged to dig deep and raise £50,000 to kickstart a South Woodham school's technology boost.

Dennis Parry, headteacher of the William de Ferrers School, has written to every parent appealing for a donation of at least £45 to support the school's bid for technology status.

He described it as a "last ditch" appeal after business sponsorship raised just £5,500. The deadline is March.

Success in raising the cash would see the school in Trinity Square net £580,000 in government grants over the next three years.

This would be used for desperately needed computer and technology equipment which the school cannot afford from its own funds.

In his letter, Mr Parry said: "This is probably one of the most important letters I have written to parents for a considerable time.

"Your decision, and hopefully your support, would change the future of this school."

Mr Parry added: "I do appreciate that, for some families, £45 is a lot of money to find. I am, therefore, asking families to pledge what they can afford and hopefully some may be able to pledge more."

Mr Parry believes that all of the school's departments would benefit from the new technology.

However he must also prove to the Government that the money will benefit people in South Woodham. He added that the appeal was a last resort.

He said: "The comments I have received so far have been very favourable. A number have expressed their best wishes and said they hope the school achieves its target."

The Friends of William de Ferrers will be holding a dinner dance in February in aid of the venture and have already pledged £1,000.

Chairman of the Friends, Lynne Pembroke, has a son in year ten. She is fully behind the sponsorship drive and said: "I have pledged the money the school has asked for because I see it as a valuable contribution.

"It can only be a positive thing for the school. South Woodham is a community driven place and it is good at rallying round at times of need."

Appeal - head Dennis Parry is asking parents to chip in towards the school's technology bid

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.