AN appeal is being launched to raise money for a new primary school in Cradley.

Although most of the cost of the new school is being met by the Department of Education and Herefordshire Council, the school governors will have to raise part of it.

Mike Vockins, chairman of the fundraising committee, said: "That's the way it is with CE voluntary-aided schools like ours."

The total cost of the school is not yet known because tenders are not yet in, but the governors' share could be as much as £150,000.

The appeal is being launched on Bank Holiday Monday with an event to which all parishioners, parents, pupils and friends of the school are invited. It opens at 12.30pm with a barbecue and children's activities at the existing school grounds.

At 2pm, a procession carrying bricks and balloons will make its way to the new school site.

"It's all very symbolic," said Mr Vockins. "We're walking from the present school to the new site to tell the world that work on the new building will soon begin.

"We're inviting folk to carry a brick so that these bricks can form part of the new building. We shall be releasing balloons for a children's balloon race as a sign of what the new school will offer.

"We want the launch to tell everyone that fundraising has begun. However, the day itself is not about aggressively taking money from everyone. It's intended to be a fun occasion and to allow everyone to take part."

A ribbon will be cut by Pam Hurle, chairman of the governors, at the new school site at 2.30pm. Headteacher David Townsend will then dig the first section of turf.

"We're hoping to find some of the oldest former pupils of the school and invite them, as well as the youngest child in the school, to dig one of the first turfs too," said Mr Vockins.

"One way or another we want to have some fun and tell the world the appeal has begun."