A SOUTH Lakes school has received a £10,000 grant and glowing admiration from one of the world’s finest composers and impresarios.

The Lakes School, in Troutbeck Bridge near Windermere, is just one of eight projects who have received funding in the latest batch of donations from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

The school, who have recently staged a number of musicals, will use the money to modernise the lighting rigs, follow spots and new tabs.

Head of Music at the school, Adam Theobald, said it was great news for the school and the community.

He said: “Most of the costs are from the hiring of staging, lights, sound and props.

“But if we can raise enough money, we could buy the equipment and always have the essentials on our own stage.

“This money will go a huge way towards our final goal of around £50,000 to completely refurbish the staging.”

The school is well known for its musicals in the South Lakes having put on Rent, Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, Bugsy Malone and Little Shop of Horrors. The school also hosts the annual Lakes Players’ pantomimes.

But, it wasn’t until the acclaimed school production of the Phantom of the Opera that Mr Theobald realised the full potential of the stage.

“It is one of the largest stages in the area but desperately needs a makeover,” he said.

“We built up a detailed plan to fully refurbish the stage, and the ball is now rolling thanks to Lord Webber.

“We were told that he was extremely impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm shown by The Lakes School Arts faculty and The Lakes Players.”

A spokesman for the Foundation said: "The Lakes School are highly renowned in Cumbria for their production of school musicals, with the children being led by teachers who are passionate about music and the arts.

"We wish them every success and hope the Foundation's support can encourage others to give to this project.”