The people of Todmorden deserve better facilities for their children agreed Jim Knight, Minister for Schools and Learning, when he visited Todmorden High School yesterday and added he would look at the priorities again.

"It's very clear you need better for the people of Todmorden. This is an opportunity for Calderdale to put a compelling case forward for Todmorden and one that fits in with our criteria.

"I will also go back and look to see if there is anything else we can do," said Mr Knight.

He made the journey north after Calder Valley MP, Chris McCafferty, had spoken to him several times asking for a personal visit. The minister is currently overseeing a consultation on the new stage of investment in secondary schools in England.

"I am here today thanks to your MP Chris, who has been to see me a number of times about this school and I have come to see the desperate need for myself."

But he would not be drawn on when Todmorden might get a new high school building, saying only that it would be the end of the year before any announcements could be expected.

Following a tour of the school, during which headteacher Patrick Ottley-O'Connor illustrated the limitations of the deteriorating building, the minister praised the leadership shown by Mr Ottley-O'Connor, the quality of the teaching and the hard work of the pupils.

Mrs McCafferty said she was delighted the minister had been able to spare the time to visit Todmorden.

She said: "I have been working hard for several years to make sure that ministers for education know about the problems at Todmorden, and to put over to them the strong case for a replacement school. Ministers have met with representatives from the school in the past, but this is the first time we have secured a ministerial visit.

"Recently, the government announced plans which, if agreed, will mean that Calderdale Council will be able to bid for the early release of money from Building Schools for the Future. I want to see this put in place as soon as possible – and I want to see Todmorden High School top of the list when Calderdale comes to make its bid."