SETTLE Primary School was declared officially open on Friday afternoon.

Carolyn Bird, from North Yorkshire's education department, who worked on the new primary school project when it first was mooted seven years ago through to its conclusion on Friday, cut the ribbon.

Children have been enjoying the facilities at the new primary school since last September. The school replaced a building in Upper Settle which had housed the school for 146 years. It had long been recognised as in need of replacement, being too small, badly designed, damp and without a grass playing area on site and no room for the school nursery.

Bond Lane Field had been bought from the Dawson family in the 1930s and earmarked as the site for a new school but work had never started due to lack of funds.

But when the county council sold part of Bond Lane field to supermarket chain Booths, money from the sale of the land and the old primary school building provided the funds for the new school to be built. It is one of the most modern in the country, allowing children to enjoy the latest teaching facilities.

At the opening ceremony attended by parents, the youngsters shared their thoughts on the new school and information about the old one, as well as performing musical and vocal pieces.

Headteacher Ian Parker said how pleased everyone was with the new school and recalled how the town had waited decades for it. He told how, in his first week at the school 15 years ago, he had first asked for a new building.

Rev Stewart Ridley, vicar of Settle and chairman of the governors, said what a warm and welcoming place the old school had always been, and its friendly atmosphere had transferred from the old building to the new.

The Rt Rev David Young, assistant Bishop of Bradford, led a prayer and dedication.