SCHOOLS are being urged to get involved in a competition that could see them win a share in a £6,000 makeover.

To win, staff and students’ ideas of what they think would enhance the outside of their school must be submitted.

The Echo has teamed up with construction firm Leadbitter to offer all schools in Dorset this unique opportunity.

Ideas so far have included vegetable gardens, outdoor play equipment and a cycle work shop.

Leadbitter are currently undertaking £35million pounds worth of work in Dorchester, including the £7million development of the new Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre.

They are also sponsoring the Party in the Park event ahead of this year’s Dorchester carnival.

The new leisure centre will incorporate a new 25 metre swimming pool, a three lane learner pool with changing rooms, a 60 station gym and a fitness studio.

Project manager Malcolm Jones said that the project would benefit all the people of Dorchester.

He said: “From our point of view we are building a facility for the whole of the county town.

He added: “I have been involved in a number of leisure centre builds over the years and find it very satisfying. It’s great to see it finished and see people coming in to use them.”

Mr Jones urged schools to take advantage of the competition.

He said: “Quite frankly the competition is our way of putting something back into the community and the best way to do that is to through the schools and through the children. As a business it’s something we try and do in the different regions we work in.”

Managing surveyor at the site Robert Fish said that he was looking forward to seeing the finished leisure centre project.

He said: “It will be a fantastic facility when it’s finished.”

He added: “The school build project will increase the learning environment for the pupils and students. Schools need to make sure they get their applications in.

“It’s great to see what they come up with, especially the children’s designs, that’s lovely.”

Schools should fill in the application form found in the Echo and send it with 200 words about their project by Friday, June 10.