THE fast-growing Polish community in Accrington is preparing to establish a firm link with its roots as a new Saturday school gets set to open.

The 2,000 Polish immigrants who have settled in Hyndburn have united to set up a Polish school in order to teach their children the customs of their homeland.

The school, which opens tomorrow at Sacred Heart RC Primary School, Church, already has at least 50 pupils signed up to study the Polish language and its culture.

Sacred Heart headteacher, Jackie Williams, said: "Many of the Polish community have strong Catholic beliefs and that is an important factor for the school.''

She added: "I think the school will close the gap between what the Polish children are used to and what they are now experiencing, which will make it easier for them to settle into life in Accrington."

The school, which has been set up entirely by the Polish community, will be funded through parental and other donations and fund-raising including the selling of postcards and traditional Polish cakes.

The organisers have set up an opening ceremony for the school, which will begin at 11am, and all members of the community are welcome.

The opening day will allow the pupils to meet each other and their teachers, as well as acting as a way of informing the community about what the school hopes to achieve.

Marta Kiedrowicz, head of the Polish school, said: "It will help the children keep in touch with their traditions.''

She added: "Even though parents are donating money towards the costs of the school, we still need to raise over £9,000 to buy office equipment and books, which we hope to get through fund- raising and donations from local businesses."