PUPILS at Kirkby Malham School have moved into a purpose-built annexe.

The new building contains a classroom, disabled toilet facility and medical room /office. There is also an outside feature providing a seated quiet corner and shelter for children to use at playtimes.

"The children are very excited about the new annexe. We are all delighted by the results," said headteacher Richard Wright.

As the building is within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, particular care was taken to ensure it complimented the existing premises and did not spoil the surrounding landscape.

The new facility was adapted out of an existing outbuilding at the school, which has undergone considerable development in the last two years. The playground and playing fields were extended and developed last year. Toilet facilities were refurbished in February and the exterior repainted last month.

Mr Wright said: "We still have several other projects which the governors and I wish to complete before the end of the year. The school car park is being extended and we are looking to develop a computer suite. In the new year a dedicated library area will be developed. The school has been having a very expensive make-over these last two years and getting the funding to do all these jobs has been an art in itself.

"I have received tremendous support from the Local Authority's development team, parents and local community, the latter raising more than £14,000 through sponsorship and gift aid."

More financial help came from The Colthurst Trust which donated £500 for computer equipment and Skipton Building Society which gave £3,000 for an interactive whiteboard.

The new annexe will be named in honour of the school's founder Walter Morrison.