A saw which has been in use at Ashby School for around 50 years has finally been retired.

That follows the award of a grant towards the purchase of a new machine.

Funding from the Thomas Harley Educational Foundation covered half of the cost of the new Poolewood mechanical band saw to replace the mechanical hack saw.

Ashby School's website reports that the machinery in use had been an essential piece of equipment in the design faculty for since the 1970s.

The old 'donkey saw' was used almost daily to prepare metal for use by engineering students.

Its work will now be done by the more sophisticated mechanical saw which can be used for perfecting angles and bevels and for cutting larger pieces of metal.

Head of Design Ed Cooper said: "We'd reached a point where we really needed to replace the machine because its condition has gone beyond practical repair so we are extremely grateful to the Thomas Harley Foundation for this funding.

"The saw is vital to support curriculum preparation of materials for lessons, allowing us to make optimum use of lesson time to work with students.

"Without it, we would have to spend critical funds on more expensive pre-cut materials or allocate more staff hours to support the students.

"The new machine means students will be lesson-ready and will be able to use their time productively to get on with their projects.

"Machinery like this also gives them a greater understanding of the use of industrial grade equipment, not only from the point of view of its operational benefits but also when considering issues like health and safety."

The remaining funding for the saw was met by Ashby School.