A pioneering series of master classes for some of the brightest children in Brighton and Hove are under threat because of a lack of cash.

Longhill High School needs to raise £5,000 in sponsorship, otherwise the classes will be forced to close at the end of the summer term.

The classes were launched in 1998 and are currently provided free thanks to £5,000 funding from The Sutton Trust.

The school runs a six-week course in electronics, computer-aided manufacture and design helping children to attain skills they would not normally learn in school for at least three years.

The school has only enough room for 34 youngsters, who meet once a week on Saturdays. All attend primary schools in Brighton and Hove and were picked for their aptitude in the subject.

The scheme is the brainchild of deputy head teacher Peter Lonsdale and is now in its second year with an art masterclass scheduled for next term and plans for an information, communications and technology course in place for the coming summer term.

Mr Lonsdale said: "We wrote to all the primary schools in Brighton and Hove and said we were running these classes for children who are talented and motivated, but they don't have to be brilliant. If the school says the child would benefit then we give them a place.

The classes have become so popular that about 50 children wanted to take part during the current school year and some had to be turned away, although next year Mr Lonsdale hopes to expand the number of places from 34 to 40.

"What's great about these classes is having lots of enthusiastic, fairly bright children and seeing what they can do in a fairly short period of time, which can be mind-boggling.

"They are working on projects which are three or four years in advance and it's been particularly useful for our teachers to see what children can do.

"I think the authority is very pleased we received the funding to go out and do this and it has been very supportive.

"We insisted we wouldn't run the courses if children had to pay and we have tried to focus on students who maybe wouldn't necessarily get these opportunities otherwise."

Pat Hawkes, lead councillor for school effectiveness at Brighton and Hove Council, believes the classes are a positive step.

She said: "I think it is fantastic that the school has developed its community use.

"I went to see some of the classes myself in action and the children didn't really want to speak to me but just get on with what they were doing, which shows how keen they are.

"The idea is to stretch more able children in the particular fields they are good at, if they have the skills at their fingertips they can go on and do their own personal study.

"The school must be commended on what it has done, they are so determined and are changing the philosophy of education."

If you can help the master classes to continue call 01273 304086.