VERDIN High School has been given a welcome boost in its bid for specialist school status thanks to a gift from down under.

The school is trying to raise £50,000 to be eligible to apply for specialist technology school status.

Jackie Davies, assistant headteacher, has been given the job of getting in touch with former pupils and members of staff to ask if they would like to make a donation.

One such pupil was Alan Bond, who now lives in Australia, but her initial contact with him resulted in an amazing coincidence.

She said: "After school finished in July I went to Australia to meet with my daughter Amy, who is out there backpacking.

"I'd been there a few days when I went down to an Internet caf to check my e-mail and there was a reply for me from this chap who said he was sending a donation.

"It also turned out he lived in Sydney and that's where I was at the time, I told him where I was and he was really keen to see us.

"We met and that's when he handed over another cheque in Australian dollars.

"It was really weird and was a big coincidence considering he thought I was in England."

Verdin High School half way towards its fundraising total and if it is successful in its bid it will be eligible for grants of around £700,000 for more equipment and staff.

If you want to help please ring Neil Dyment, headteacher, by ringing him on 01606 592300 or e-mail nrdyment@portables2.ngfl.gov.uk

??HENKEL is one of the latest local companies to give its valuable support to Verdin High School.

The company has granted the school £1,000 towards its fund and has also offered some valuable advice to help Verdin with its bid.

Mark Hamlin, Henkel's manager, presented a cheque to headteacher Neil Dyment shortly before the school finished for the summer.

A delighted Mr Dyment said: "It is really wonderful having the support of one of Winsford's largest companies for our specialist schools bid.

"Mr Mark Hamlin and his senior team have offered to help the school with the bid and provide much-needed expertise related to business and commerce.

"Henkel are a forward thinking company that recognise the future success of our economy will be based on the ability and skill level of our young people."