A SECONDARY school has had a surprise £1,000 donation towards an appeal raising money for its 25th birthday.

The anonymous donation meant a big step forward for St Laurence School, Bradford on Avon, which is aiming to raise £50,000 for a new restaurant and kitchens.

Chairman of the St Laurence School Association, Charlie Stratton, said: "We're delighted and amazed to have received such a generous donation.

"The senders want to remain anonymous, but I'd like them to know how very grateful we are and to assure them that every penny will be put to good use in this long-overdue improvement of the school."

To raise money for the appeal, on July 9 the whole school will take part in a sponsored 8-mile walk.

An estimated 800 people will walk 7,000 miles, further than from Bradford to San Francisco.

As well as raising money for the school's Silver Jubilee appeal, teachers believe it will be a chance for a good work-out.

Assistant headteacher Mark James said: "Many students are too used to going everywhere by car and miss the sights on their own doorstep."

There is a chance to donate to the Silver Jubilee appeal by going to a talk at the school about the excavations which unearthed the Roman villa in the school grounds.

Tickets for the June 30 event are available for £3 from Sarah Knee on (01225) 868667.