A SOUTH Lakeland primary school is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and has plans for expansion to mark the occasion.

As well as the opportunity to celebrate everything that is great about Grayrigg, the milestone year coincides with an urgent need to plan a physical expansion of the village's school.

Grayrigg CE School has increased in pupil numbers over recent years and now has 46 children attending, with a large proportion of these being in nursery, reception and infants.

As these children progress through school, they will outgrow the current building. An additional classroom would cater for them and future years of pupils.

The school has applied for a grant from the Department of Education via Carlisle Diocese which, if successful when announced in April, will fund 90 per cent of the total cost, estimated at £300,000. The remaining £30,000 is a large amount for a school with fewer than 40 families.

Friends of Grayrigg School (FOGS) has risen to the challenge through the launch of the ‘Grayrigg 200 for 200’, with the aim of arranging 200 fundraising events and activities throughout 2018 to celebrate the anniversary and raise the necessary funds.

"I never fail to be amazed by the way the children at Grayrigg celebrate and care for each other, they are the best human beings I have ever met," said head teacher Kirsty Cooper. "I am blown away and humbled by the parental and community support for our school. We've been here for 200 years but I have a feeling 2018 may be the best year yet."

Plans are under way for a car wash to be held at Kirkbie Kendal School on February 24, Curry Night on March 17, weekly ‘Flapjack Fridays’ in school, Coffee Morning to be held at the Town Hall on March 24 and an ongoing Bags2School donation.

For information on any of the events, to make a donation or to donate clothing/linen, contact fogs@grayrigg.cumbria.sch.uk or via Facebook: Friends of Grayrigg School 200 for 200 fundraising.