CELEBRITIES from around the world are helping a Banbury school raise money for a refurbishment.

Pupils at Blessed George Napier School in Addison Road need to raise £25,000 by early next year - and have written to famous people asking for autographs and memorabilia. The students plan to sell everything donated on eBay and at a school auction.

Blessed George Napier Roman Catholic School is a voluntary aided school and has to raise money to activate statutory grants.

Work at the school is underway, and a commitment of over £800,000 has been made towards refurbishment and internal internal remodelling to create extra classrooms.

To qualify for the full grant, the school has to raise ten per cent of the the total. The Archdiocese of Birmingham has pledged £50,000, and around £6,000 has come from parents and fundraising activities - leaving £25,000 to find.

Pupils were asked to select a person they admired and write personal letters requesting autographs and items of interest. Fundraising committee member Colin Angus said: "The response has been fantastic with numerous letters, memorabilia, and autographs sent by celebrities.

"500 pupils used the challenge as part of an English project. They selected and researched celebrities of their choice and then planned and wrote their letters asking for support for their school."

Mr Angus went on: "So far, the collection of signed photos and merchandise has come from sport stars Lance Armstrong and Johnny Wilkinson; comedian Ricky Gervais; the entire cast of EastEnders; England Ladies Football star Kelly Smith; footballers Stuart Downing and Edwin Van Der Sar; chef Gordon Ramsay, music band Metallica; and Freema Agyeman - Martha from Doctor Who. Sir Elton John has also given his support."

Acting headteacher Catherine Weaver said: "As an innovative project linked to their literacy studies, the pupils wrote some really good letters. It is a tribute to them that so many celebrities and high profile personalities have been positive in their response in support of the school."

For more information on the fundraising activities and the memorabilia pledged, e-mail fundraisingproject@hotmail.com