A MASSIVE cash injection will overhaul science studies at a Ryedale school, paving the way to creating a specialist centre of excellence in the subject.

Up to £350,000 will be used to build two new science laboratories and a preparation room at Malton School.

And teachers are preparing a £50,000 application for Science College status, which could unlock a further £100,000 of Government money for the school.

A successful bid would also provide £75,000 a year for at least three years, to be used for learning at the school and in the community.

Headteacher David Roberts said the laboratory project was the biggest single investment in the school since its west wing was built in 1958. He said it was an "exciting time" and that the additional facilities would broaden learning opportunities and increase teaching space for the 630 pupils at the Middlecave Road school.

"While there will be short-term inconvenience with building work there will also be the gain of huge investment in the future," he added.

Work to build the North Yorkshire County Council-funded laboratories is expected to take six months, and will begin next Easter on ground behind the school's east wing, adjacent to two existing laboratories.

A further two second-storey laboratories are also planned, depending on funding, and the group will form a science "community" at the school.

Pupils, parents and Ryedale businesses are now being asked to back the school's bid for science college status.

A successful bid would also benefit the Ryedale community as money would be used to promote science at primary schools and give youngsters access to the new facilities at Malton School.

The school needs to raise £50,000 for the application, which must be submitted by the Spring. Fundraising has already started with a sponsored walk and family quiz planned for next week.

"This will give an opportunity for scientific developments within the school and the community for young people now and in the future," said Mr Roberts, who has been head at the school for 14 years.

Capital project manager Richard Allen, of North Yorkshire County Council, which is providing a £320,000 grant for the laboratories, said the money is being well spent.

He said: "I hope that the school will be able to further develop this project if they achieve science city status.

"We want to work with the school to make best use of the funding when we have got it."

Anyone interested in contributing towards fundraising events can contact the school on (01653) 692828.

Updated: 09:11 Wednesday, September 25, 2002