THOUSANDS of pounds will be earmarked for several West Devon schools to carry out small-scale building projects if county councillors approve the latest capital challenge programme this week. The fund, which was set up in 2002, awards cash to schools to allow small-scale schemes that would improve the quality of life for pupils and staff. Schools are invited to bid for grants to add to their own funds to pay for specific projects which have already been highlighted as requiring action. This year Devon County Council is putting up £750,000 for the programme. The proposals include: £7,500 for upgrading of a craft room at Spreyton Primary; £17,000 for cloakroom development at Lydford Primary; £20,000 for a multi-use games area at Milton Abbot School; £11,500 towards an outside play area and SEN support room at Okehampton Primary; £15,000 for the playground and fencing restoration at Northlew and Ashbury Primary and £20,000 towards a school house upgrade and link corridor at Tavistock?s St Rumon?s C of E Infants. Devon?s lead councillor for schools, Cllr John Hart said the capital challenge allowed schools to undertake smaller projects that needed to be done but would not necessarily be covered by their mainstream building programme. ?Sometimes even a comparatively small amount of money can make all the difference to the life of a school ? not only for the pupils but for teachers and other staff as well and help raise academic achievement. ?By us putting up some money and the schools coming in with theirs, we can do smaller repairs and improvements that are often so necessary. By working together, we have been able to more than double the amount of money available.? The money is part of Devon?s settlement from the government to help improve the general environment of the county?s schools. The spending was due to be approved by councillors as the Times went to press.