TEACHERS and pupils in Chippenham have received a cash boost after a neighbour left half his home to their school in his will.

Martin Callaby, of Malmesbury Road, Chippenham, stipulated that half his home should be donated to Hardenhuish School.

Assistant headteacher Wayne Howells said the cash would transform the curriculum for pupils.

"Cash injections like this are few and far between and we are absolutely delighted," he said.

"We always run on a tight budget and extra money is a luxury we never have.

"This will allow the school to enrich and extend the curriculum and we are very keen to help decide how to spend the money.

"Our thanks go to Mr Callaby for this generous gift."

Little is known about the benefactor who wrote to the school in October 2003 to say he had changed his will.

Trevor Eddolls, 53, of Brinkworth Close, is chairman of the Hardenhuish Educational Trust, and wrote back immediately to thank Mr Callaby.

The father-of-three and magazine editor, whose daughters all went to the school, said: "At the time I thought it was very generous of him, but I didn't expect the Trust to benefit from the bequest for a number of years.

"Sadly, in April 2004 Mr Callaby died, but his will was missing. His solicitors had a copy and so did the Trust, but the actual document could not be found.

"We do not know much about him other than the fact that he loved radio equipment because he had lots of radio masts attached to his house.

"He used to come down to the school now and again to talk to the children and we think it is during those occasions that he decided they would be the best recipients for his money.

Earlier this month, the house was sold to Bristol developer Dan Skellett of Anthony Adam Property, who has started work renovating the property.

The Hardenhuish Educational Trust is a registered charity, which raises funds for the school.

Its main objectives are to support the school and advance the education of pupils, to provide facilities and equipment and to support activities and visits.

Mr Eddolls said: "We are having a meeting to decide what to spend the money on. It will either be spent on a big project or we will invest it and reap the benefits of around £5,000 interest each year."