CHORLEY schools are set to receive thousands of pounds from the government's recent spending spree.

The money will arrive as a cheque, direct to each school, helping to ensure money is spent on what is really needed.

Primary schools will receive £6,000-£20,000 and secondary schools will get £50,000-£70,000.

The cash will be paid year on year until 2003-4.

The announcement came just as most schools were finishing for summer.

Brian Souter, spokesman for Southlands High school, Clover Road, Chorley said: "We are delighted that schools are going to have more money to put into them. It's a good start to the summer holidays."

And the news has been welcomed by politicians throughout the region.

Chorley borough council leader, Councillor Jim Wilson, said he felt "elated" at the news, adding: "It's great news for Chorley, and great news for the children of Chorley."

He said the announcement would be welcomed by schools that had been feeling "short of cash".

County councillor Hazel Harding, Lancashire's chairman of education, also praised the cash boost. "I am absolutely delighted to be able to tell parents that Lancashire primary schools will get an additional £8million next year, some £20,000 per school," she said.

"Our secondary schools will each get up to £70,000 more, an extra £5million across the county." She added that Lancashire's special schools and nursery schools would get an extra £1million in the spending bonanza.

Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced the funding as part of a £10billion increase in education and training funding across the UK over the next three years.

Chorley MP Lindsay Hoyle was also delighted. He said: "This is excellent news for schools in Chorley.

"On average, spending per pupil by next year will have risen by an extra £430 from 1997 levels, which will go a long way to ensure that every child is equipped with the education they need to succeed."