A leading Cumbrian school facing funding cuts has been inundated with offers worth more than £25,000 since it appealed for help six weeks ago.

Headteacher Simon Jackson says he is "overwhelmed the generous offers" from parents, businesses and the wider community since he revealed the measures Keswick School was taking to balance its budget.

It comes as the school, which has more than 1,250 pupils, has been told it will get a Government grant to replace two temporary classrooms with a new purpose-built block.

Further fundraising will be needed but the classroom will be ready by October 2018.

In a letter to parents, Mr Jackson said: "There is enormous goodwill towards the school and our students and that is hugely appreciated.

"My thanks to everyone who has made regular or one-off donations.

"This includes some in our community who have no direct link to the school but said that they wanted to help.

"You are too numerous to mention but your support makes a real difference."

Sponsorship and donations received so far will be used by the school to support the costs of a rugby coach, several music groups, language IT lab, computers, a minibus and its first Lego League.

Mr Jackson has also highlighted other areas and activities he seeks funds for - including £10,000 to refurbish the school's PE changing rooms, £9,000 to buy 30 new computers and £500 for chess club materials.

Efforts to raise funds in school are stepping up a gear too.

They include the school's PTA, which has already raised £15,000 towards a new minibus.

The music department also plans to set up a new charity in September.

The ‘Friends of Keswick School Music’ will provide children with further opportunities to join groups and bands. The charity will also look to provide instruments for children to borrow and support those who would not otherwise be able to afford to take up lessons.

Keswick School also wants to establish a music centre of excellence for the community, allowing others to use and benefit from facilities at its Crosthwaite Music Centre and recording studio.

In May Mr Jackson revealed that Keswick School was having to take some tough decisions including cutting staff and charging for some GCSEs and outdoor activities when faced with cuts of more than £600,000.

This week Education Secretary Justine Greening announced an extra £1.3 billion for schools over the next two years.

Mr Jackson said: "We understand that there will be a 0.5 per cent per pupil per year cash increase for every school over the next two years.

"Although this is welcome the school teachers’ pay review body recently recommended a one per cent pay increase for all teachers and there are still the additional costs which we face.

"At least it is a step in the right direction."