THE CHRONICLE is backing Platt Primary School in its bid to collect a whopping £850,000 towards its new site now planning permission has been granted.

The school has launched a fundraising frenzy to raise the money in just two years. School governor Paul Vallance, who is heading up the campaign, is confident of success.

"We have the added challenge of the current economic climate but we have spoken to people who have done similar challenges and it's doable, but it will take a lot of hard work," he said.

"We are not going to succeed in this unless the whole community comes together on it. Its about securing the future for the community."

The new school will be built opposite the Brickmakers Arms development, on Green Belt land north of Maidstone Road, and work is expected to start within two years.

It will have six classrooms, a nursery facility, playgrounds, parking and a playing field for the 142 pupils at the school.

After waiting four years for planning consent, headteacher Helen Netti said: "We are all very encouraged by the success of the recent planning application.

"A new school would mean so much to the school community.

"We will do all we can to support the next step in this process."

The latest figure for the cost of the new school is £2.8m, with funding being given by property developer Rydon Homes, Kent County Council and the Diocese.

A final amount for what the school needs to raise is still being calculated but will be in the region of £850,000.

But how will it raise such a huge sum?

Mr Vallance, whose three young daughters attend the primary school, said: "It's interesting because if we do a coffee morning a week and raise £30 it will take us 715 years to raise that amount of money.

"So it's not something that your average fundraising activities will achieve. The way we are approaching it is corporate funding, trusts, Government grants and the Diocese to pull together to raise the funds."

Fundraising has already started, with a wine tasting challenge just before Christmas.

"A Paris to Platt bike ride is the next activity and eight of us are cycling from Paris to Platt over four days, covering approximately 260 miles," Mr Vallance said.

The school has plans for a sportsman's dinner, a quiz night and is also creating an Alumni to broaden its contact base. Rydon Homes has applied for planning permission to build 12 homes on the existing school site and redevelop its playing field to accommodate five new houses.

Some of the homes would be affordable housing.

A decision on this application was due yesterday (Wednesday).

If you would like to donate money to the school for the project you can contact of fice@platt.kent.sch.uk or alternatively you can visit www. thisiskent.co.uk/fundournew school