Standards of excellence achieved by high-performing or naturally gifted students in either academic and non-academic activities normally bring their own rewards.

Other students, including those with special needs, do achieve progress beyond expectation, but this is not always acknowledged – and it is these special achievements which the Steyning Millennium Trustees wish to encourage and reward.

Colin Field, High Sheriff of West Sussex, joined Dr John Peat, head teacher, and John Stevenson, Steyning Millennium Trust's chairman, at the school on Tuesday to lend his support to the project.

He said: "I'm delighted to help publicise the launch of this new local initiative to inspire and reward youngsters who go above and beyond what's expected of them.

"Every bit of support and recognition they get now can help bolster their hopes and aspirations for the future."

The trustees hope to raise £50,000 to create an endowment fund aimed at generating an income of around £2,500 each year to provide achievement awards, with the fund currently standing at £12,500.

The school's leadership team will nominate youngsters who they believe warrant rewarding, and the final decisions will be made by the millennium trustees. The scheme will run alongside existing achie-vement awards which the school already has in place. Mr Stevenson said: "We plan to hold a number of fund-raising initiatives such as a golf day, a glittering spring ball and a major raffle, so people of Steyning and surrounding areas – watch this space!

"Myself and my colleague trustees are involved because we believe in today's young people. If we're able to give our support and encouragement to local youngsters through this scheme, then we'll do all we can to make the awards work."

Organisers of the scheme hope local business will back the project, either through funding, donations or in practical ways such as work placements or the supply of tools.

Anyone who would like more information about the Steyning Millennium Trust Awards, or who would like to help with the project, should call Dennis Freedman on 01903 879002, or send an email to smt@peartree.wanadoo.co.uk