DEVIZES School's bid for sports college status has received an enormous boost after local car dealer Fussell Wadman offered to donate the proceeds from its raffle of a brand new motor scooter to the cause.

The school needs to raise £50,000 sponsorship before it can seek match funding of £100,000 from the Department for Education and Skills as the first step towards gaining sports college status.

Mark Wadman, one of the firm's directors, said: "Each year we participate in a new vehicle launch in which there is some kind of fundraising activity. We donate the proceeds to a local good cause and this year we have chosen to support the school's bid for sports college status, which we feel is good for the community in general. The scooter is particularly appropriate for this cause as it is a vehicle that appeals to the younger driver."

Headteacher Malcolm Irons says he has been encouraged by the support the bid has already received from the local business community. He said: "Fussell Wadman's offer is splendid, especially as this is their 30th anniversary year and therefore rather special for them."

The scooter, a Peugeot Speedfight 50cc, will be on show at the school for the next two weeks and the raffle will be drawn in May. Tickets are available from Fussell Wadman at Hopton Industrial Estate and the Gazette's office in Devizes Market Place.

Businesses prepared to sell raffle tickets can contact Fussell Wadman on (01380) 731970.