LEW Trenchard Primary School’s major project to build new facilities has reached as far as the USA after grabbing the attention of an overseas sponsor.

Headteacher Tim Woodward said: ‘As a result of a previous article in the Times regarding the school’s fundraising, we received a cheque for £500 from the USA where a member of the family that own the Lew Trenchard Estate regularly reads the newspaper’s website.’

The school’s project is now in full swing and the school is tantalisingly close to its £113,000 fundraising target.

The money raised by the school, pre-school and local community will go towards building a new classroom, extra toilets, a new reception office, a small kitchen space, and additional teaching areas.

Over the past two years ,teachers, pupils, parents and friends of the school have worked hard to raise money for the project by hosting a series of events ,including quiz nights, jumble sales, a summer fair, a big breakfast event at the Victory Hall, and a ‘Pig, Wig, Swig and Jig’ night in the Blue Lion Inn, Lewdown.

The most recent fundraising event was an afternoon tea held at Lewtrenchard Manor which raised a total of £906.

Mr Woodward said: ‘I have been overwhelmed by the support given to the school from so many different sections of the local community. The Lewtrenchard Manor Afternoon Tea was the latest in a number of events that have helped to raise over £3,000 in the last eight weeks or so.’

The headteacher also expressed thanks to all who attended. He praised the staff at the manor, including head chef Matt Peryer, manager Duncan Murray and his wife Joan for all of their hard work.

Devon County Council has provided sufficient funding to the school to help build additional toilet facilities and extra teaching areas for small groups. The Mary Budding Trust will also provide funding support for a new sensory room, which will be used to support children with learning difficulties.

Mr Woodward said: ‘All in all, we now expect that the project will be completed in its entirety by September, so that the school can offer a much improved provision for local children aged from two to 11 years old.’

The pre-school, which will now be part of a Foundation Stage Unit, will be open for five full days a week from September under the guidance of the school’s new early years teacher.

The funding received will also go towards extending the play area for the younger children, as well as a new secure entrance and reception area.

The school is pleased to announce that with the sufficient funds the project will be completed before the start of the autumn term.

The official opening of the new facilities will take place in September, and the school has invited a very special local guest to cut the ribbon.

Also in September, the school is holding another big breakfast event in Lewdown as well as a fundraising fashion show at the school.