An enterprising Gloucestershire school is hoping the business community can support its bid to install a new library - on board a double decker bus.

Ann Edwards CE Primary School in South Cerney is hoping to raise in excess of £20,000 for the project, and its already the talk of the school.

Kevin Parker, the school's business manager, explained that while the school already has a library, moving on to four wheels was a logical step.

"The National Audit Office calculate that funding for schools will go down by as much as eight per cent in real terms because of the impact of inflation and other factors," he said.

"So we're thinking creatively. We have lots of available space but not a lot of available funds and have seen that other schools have had success with similar projects.

"Our library is currently in space that could be used for a classroom so by making the switch we're able to maximise the space."

The kids and the local community have already bought into the idea, with the idea already inspiring learning on a range of topics in the classroom.

Companies that come on board with sponsorship of £250 will have their logo displayed on the side of the bus that will be custom fit to change it from a working Routemaster to a fully-equipped library.

"The idea is already sparking an interest in the pupils," Parker added. "Not only is it going to help them engage more with reading and literacy, it's inspiring them in other subjects too.

"In science we are talking about how the bus will be decommissioned and in maths they are learning about how much it costs and so on.

"Once the bus is here it will be a great space for them to use. We can section it off and have separate zones on both floors.

"We will keep the steering wheel and some of the seats but the engine and electrics will be stripped out.

"It will be an inspiring place for the kids to go to and use. The kids are so enthusiastic about the idea and we are already seeing an increased engagement in reading, which is really great."

The school are hoping to entirely fund the project through sponsorship, raising as much as £22,000 to complete the project, aiming to have as many as 50 companies coming on board.

To support the project or for more information contact Kevin Parker via e-mail at kparker@annedwardsprimary.co.uk or by calling 01285 860335.