AN EXTRA splash of colour will help a North Yorkshire special school raise much-needed cash to help refurbish its hydrotherapy pool.

The Dales School at Morton-on Swale is to host a flower display as part of a Creative Arts Festival to raise funds for a facility that is crucial to learning for students with severe and complex needs.

Alongside displays from Northallerton and District Flower Club, the three-day festival will feature a full programme of events beginning with a wine, cheese and music evening on September 19, where there will be the opportunity to preview the floral arrangements based on the theme of creative arts.

The active living co-ordinator for co-organisers Age UK North Yorkshire, Fiona Baker, will be singing on the night alongside performances by the Brompton Sunday Singers and the Northallerton Variety Company.

Free entry will all be available from 10am to 4pm on September 20 and 21 with afternoon teas served throughout the day.

Visitors will be able to enjoy arts and craft stalls, drama by the Allerton Players, iPad technology, photography, woodworking, garden art and pottery workshops.

Assistant head teacher Anne Baker said: “We launched our £60,000 Hydro Duck appeal in May this year and have so far raised over £20,000.

“The support we have received from the local community to date has been great and fundraisers, including a masquerade ball and coast to coast walking have all helped us get closer to our target.”

Tickets for the wine and cheese evening are available at £10 each including refreshments from annebaker@thedalesschool.org or fionabaker@ageuknorthyorkshire.org.uk or by telephoning 01609-770486, 01609-748496, or 01609-771624.