PUPILS at one of York's most successful state secondary schools received a boost with the launch of a new trust fund.

The Huntington School Opportunity Trust has been created to help pupils and staff find funding for projects that would not be available otherwise.

The Trust anticipates allocating some £15,000 annually and will be inviting applications through its website at the end of May.

The fund was established following the sale of Vital Limited, an IT company specialising in educational computer networks which was set up by the school.

Trust chairman Jonathan Leach said: "The fund will enhance the education of Huntington School pupils in ways that cannot normally be met within allocated resources."

Pupils and staff from the school will be invited to apply in May and October each year for cash to fund projects and schemes that might be difficult to fund in any other way.

Head teacher Chris Bridge said: "We'll be looking for a clear educational benefit for as many young people as possible from each project."

Mr Leach said: "There is a wonderful opportunity for the Trust to enable young people to enhance their school experience through travel, developing a skill, creating something innovative - the opportunities are endless. In fact, we can't wait to see just how inventive the bids will be."

Last week The Press reported that hundreds of people turned out for the opening of a £5.5 million school building at Huntington School.

The school, which teaches 1,510 youngsters, has long campaigned to replace 30-year-old rotting mobile classrooms, whose state was branded "scandalous" by Mr Bridge.

The new block houses a performing arts studio, teaching classrooms and music rooms, as well as a youth centre.

Mr Bridge is retiring in July after ten years at Huntington and 37 years in the teaching profession. After he retires from teaching he will continue his links with the school as a trustee.