STUDENTS and staff at The Minster College, Leominster, were celebrating a new feather in their cap this week.

The school has been awarded Sports College status by the Government. The deal is worth half a million pounds over four years.

A director of sport is to be appointed for a programme that will involve members of the local community, youngsters at the Minster, partner high schools at Kington and Wigmore and local primary schools.

The Minster struggled to raise its own £50,000 'seed money' to qualify for the scheme. It finally secured the last £2,000 from a private donor the day before its bid had to be in with the Department of Education.

A 'We did it!' notice was pinned up at the college this week. Principal Valerie Thomasson said: "I had to go begging for money but doggedness paid off - it's in the bag at last and I am absolutely delighted. We hope this will benefit the whole community."

The sports programme, which will include dance as a major element, is aimed at boosting the fitness and self-esteem of participants of all ages.