A HEREFORD school has found a way to combat reduced parking provision in one part of the city centre.

St Thomas Cantilupe C of E Academy, based on Coningsby Street, is opening its gates each Saturday to allow people to park while raising money for the school.

Each class takes it in turn to operate the gates during term-time, with the money raised going directly to that class for special events or activities.

Head teacher, Pippa Lloyd, said: "We have been doing it at Christmas for several years and then while we were doing it last year, lots of people were asking whether we would be doing it every week.

"We do it to fundraise for the classes. So this term will see each class man it for a Saturday each and the money raised will go to that class for special events."

It is a boost to car parking provision in that area of the city, with part of the large Merton Meadow car park currently out of use due to construction works on the Link Road.

When Hereford FC played its most recent home game at Edgar Street, the car park fundraising made £550.

"We often have to turn people away is we have no spaces left," added Mrs Lloyd.

"The people who come are always very grateful of having somewhere else to park."

The car park is open from 10am to 5.30pm each Saturday of this term and costs £3 all day.