FAIR funding campaigners who have been trying out an alternative cash formula for Worcestershire's schools are to meet education authorities from other areas to compare results next month.

Representatives from the county council travelled to East Riding, in Yorkshire, to examine a new funding model, which they hope will replace the present "discriminatory" system when it is reassessed next year.

The LEA has included Worcestershire schools' data into the new formula and is now waiting to see if it helps address the perceived inconsistencies.

On Saturday, February 12, the F40 group - the 40 worst funded authorities - will meet in Chester to compare notes on how it has performed.

If all goes to plan, the group will put forward the model - which they claim is more flexible and precise - as an alternative to the Government's current system.

"It will need some tweaking to get it right but we will have a frank discussion in Chester and hopefully takes some further steps," said Jonathan Pearsall, a fair funding campaigner.

In terms of the amount of money given by the Government, Worcestershire's schools are ranked about 145th out 150 LEAs and 32nd out 34 shire - supposedly similar - counties.

Each pupil attracts around £390 less per year in Worcestershire than the national average.

Mr Pearsall, along with fellow campaigner Helen Donovan, have also written to the new Education Secretary Ruth Kelly to ask to discuss the issue with her.

"As a mother-of-four we hope she will appreciate what we are trying to say about our children's worth," he said.