THE National Lottery and the Government have combined to provide the happiest of Christmases for Malvern Hills residents, young and old.

The biggest winner has been Dyson Perrins CE High School, which has been awarded a £2.3 million grant, described as "the best present we could possibly have had" by the headmaster Peter Buchanan.

The National Lottery Charities Board yesterday (Thursday), announced two other major grants for the area - £185,399 for Malvern and District Age Concern and £111,170 for the Worcestershire branch of the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS).

Age Concern will use its grant to take services to pensioners in rural communities, while PDS will be expanding its welfare service with the employment of two part-time welfare visitors over three years.

The Dyson Perrins money allows for major investment in school facilities, replacing worn out accommodation and improving the range of facilities for pupils. Ironically, the money was announced by a former pupil at the school, Jacqui Smith, who is now the Schools Minister.

The new development will incorporate a sixth-form centre, new music and performing arts facilities and a careers suite. Laboratories will be refurbished and space in the existing building will be released for a learning support unit.

Much of the Yates Hay Road school is more than 40 years old and the sixth-form centre, built in the early 1970s, was a "temporary structure" with a life expectancy of ten years.

The next stage will be to prepare a detailed scheme and apply for planning consent to Malvern Hills District Council. The school also has to provide an element of the funding, an estimated £200,000-£300,000.

Mr Buchanan paid tribute to the efforts of assistant head Tim Hill, who has responsibility for property, in preparing the bid for funds.

"This money will make sure the fabric of the building is absolutely 100 per cent and create a positive learning environment for our pupils," said Mr Buchanan.

George Waugh, of Malvern and District Age Concern, said its grant, over three years, will be used to buy a minibus and caravan for its On The Move scheme.

A full-time driver and two part-time co-ordinators will be appointed to run the scheme, setting up "clubs" at village halls which the minibus and caravan will visit in turn. Activities, such as arts and crafts will be backed by services such as hand and foot care and hair care.

"The money will enable us to do something we have wanted to do for a long time," said Major Waugh.

Parkinson's welfare visitors will help people deal with problems associated with benefits and employment and the provision of professional and voluntary services. They also help establish links with agencies and ensure that life is more bearable by providing a listening ear.