A CHORLEY high school is the talk of the town this week.

Bishop Rawstorne, Croston, has become one of a small number of schools and colleges nationwide to be designated a Language College by the Secretary of State for Education and Employment Gillian Shephard.

Both local businesses - which gave support to the tune of £100,000 sponsorship - and pupils will benefit from the special new status.

Bishop Rawstorne says it will now be able to extend its resources to provide access to even more languages than the traditional French and German offered at GCSE level and community evening classes.

And it adds that it will now be at the forefront of promoting international awareness and be in a position to expand its strong relationships with towns in France, Germany and Belorussia.

Headteacher Mr George Lloyd said he was "thrilled" and praised supporters of the school and the German consul in Manchester for their help.

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