A FINAL push is to be made to raise the remaining money for new purpose-built facilities for early years pupils at Boyle and Petyt Primary School, Beamsley.

The scheme has been estimated at £150,000 and so far £136,000 has been raised.

Local residents have held various fundraising events, the latest of which was a musical evening at Bolton Abbey Priory, organised by Carol Dawson, of Beamsley.

It featured classical soprano Alexandra Lowe, who entertained the audience with a selection of operatic songs and received a spontaneous standing ovation.

The event raised £1,560 and, following the concert, Alexandra visited the primary school where she sang for the children in both English and Italian - much to their amazement!

Currently the successful pre-school group meets in the school hall during the morning, but it needs extra accommodation so it can offer high quality care for younger children (two year olds), for whom there is no provision in the catchment area, along with all-day care for children up to five.

The group is expected to share the additional space with the reception class, creating a foundation stage unit, giving the youngest members of the community the best preparation for starting school.

The extended hours of care for older pupils - with breakfast and after-school clubs - will also help parents and carers in the local community who work.

Planning permission has been granted for a new building incorporating two classrooms, a kitchenette, toilets and cloakroom. Its style will reflect the traditional architecture of the current buildings, but with eco-friendly credentials to complement the natural surroundings of its rural location.

Donations can be made via the Boyle and Petyt Foundation page on Justgiving.com or by cheque made out to the Boyle and Petyt Foundation and posted to The Boyle and Petyt Primary School, Beamsley, Skipton, BD23 6HE.