A FAREHAM school has launched a major fundraising drive to make up a £20,000 shortfall for a new state-of-the-art dance studio.

Cams Hill School has just landed a £180,000 lottery windfall for the new project but building costs have continued to rise since they put in the application two years ago.

Head teacher David Wilmot said he was thrilled with the cash boost but would have to start thinking of other ways to raise the extra money needed.

"We are by no means there yet. We applied for the grant two years ago and the wait means that the cost to build the studio has gone up to more than £200,000 so we will need to find that money somehow. It is frustrating," he said.

Cams Hill School was one of 10,000 schools in the south-east lucky enough to receive the sum, but the lengthy lotto process has meant the original estimate for their new facilities falls short of the amount required. Plans for the purpose-built hall include a high ceiling and fully sprung sports floor that will be ideal for dance classes, aerobics, and sporting activities like martial arts.

It will also feature a special room with teaching facilities that could be used for extra classes and even meetings for school and community purposes.

The new space will not only be of benefit to pupils at the school but will also be available for community groups and other schools in the area. Mr Wilmot said the school would not receive all the grant money until April 2006. Building work is expected to start next summer.

"When it is up and running it will be a wonderful space for the children and for the local community," he said.

The Big Lottery Fund has dished out more than £1.9m for sports facilities across the UK this year.