CONSTRUCTION of the new sports hall at Upper Wharfedale School, Threshfield, is on schedule to be completed for the summer.

It is hoped the facilities will help sports stars at the school and in the local community fulfil their potential.

The school, which was granted specialist sports status last year, raised £30,000 for the project which includes changing facilities.

Headteacher Phil Bennington said: "It will be a real asset to the school and the community. The school has a long history of producing good sportsmen.

"We have had rowers and good runners from here."

Members of the local community and pupils at seven local primary schools will use the hall during the evening and at weekends after it opens in June.

Meanwhile the school hosted an African drum workshop for pupils and members of the community last Thursday.

Community musician Andy Spearpoint led three workshops in the morning for year nine pupils at Upper Wharfedale School.

The students then joined together to give a highly successful performance to the whole school during the afternoon.

The workshop was then opened up to the community during the evening as local adults and youngsters tried to master the West African drums.

Music teacher Hester Potts said: "These instruments are highly accessible and enjoyable to play for children and adults alike.

"We are grateful to Friends of the School for helping finance the workshops, and to the Craven Trust which has donated money for instruments."

Now the drums are in place, the school is planning to start its own percussion group open to all pupils and members of the community. Any adults interested in joining should contact Mrs Potts at Upper Wharfedale School.