AMESBURY'S Stonehenge School has committed itself to an ambitious £320,500 project to get specialist status in mathematics and computing.

On Friday local dignitaries and businesses joined staff, pupils and representatives from the community at the launch of the bid which aims to raise at least £50,000 in sponsorship by October this year.

Headteacher Andy Packer told the Journal: "The potential to truly transform not just the school but also the community is extraordinary."

If the school can raise the £50,000 in sponsorship, the Government will release £100,000 and then a total of £350,000 over the next four years.

This will enable the school to build a new computer training centre providing the best computing facilities and improving educational opportunities across all ages and abilities throughout the community.

Guests at the launch included Salisbury MP Robert Key, mayor of Amesbury, Cllr Allan Peach, representatives from Hills Waste, QinetiQ, South Wilts Mencap, school governors and members of the parent/teacher association.

Mr Packer said the launch was an attempt to pull together different groups within the community who are involved and who are potential sponsors for the project.

One of the business backers said the project was "an inspirational project."

The school will be talking to local businesses to find out what their training needs are and how the school can help them particularly utilising the school's partnership with Salisbury College.

Mr Packer said the idea is for the school to become a focus for community learning, a specialist centre where businesses, groups and individuals can have access to the latest computer technology, training and facilities.