A former head teacher of Eastburn Junior and Infants School acknowledged the school's past and welcomed the future at the formal opening of its new building.

Following the schools' reorganisation, work started at the school on a massive extension and upgrade in facilities.

The work began in May 2001 and was completed in May of this year, and the majority of the building has been in use since Christmas.

Head teacher Elizabeth Pratt said: "David Keighley, the head teacher at the school between 1974 and 1989, cut the ribbon for us at the official opening.

"He was very impressed with the new school and we had a lovely celebration and concert, which was attended by other ex-staff and friends of the school.

"It's a wonderful new facility and all the work on the playground is now roughly complete.

"The pupils also put on an evening concert called, A Century of Change, charting the schools history from 1871 through the log books. It was a great day."

The school now boasts a new sports hall, new classrooms and changing facilities.

The removal of portable classrooms has increased the play area available and the pupils also have an outside class room for the summer.

Former head David Keighley, who opened the new extension, with pupils in period dress. At the front are Keldene McNulty and Joseph Howarth.