SOLAR panels and wind turbines are part of the futuristic vision for Radcliffe's new £17 million high school.

The future of Radcliffe Riverside High will be green - if the energy-saving ideas for the hi-tech new building get off the ground.

Bury Council, which is working alongside governors and parents, revealed the "concept design" at a series of public presentations last week.

As well as an artist's impression of what the state-of-the-art school might look like, parents and residents were given an insight into the planned layout.

Alongside plans for wind turbines and solar panels, ideas include:

l Light-filled classrooms to cut energy usage and improve pupils' learning environment

l An emphasis on access to the school for the whole community with adult education classes as well as community sports and music facilities

l Giving younger pupils their own separate spaces to ensure they better enjoy the transition from local primary schools

The new complex is due to open in September 2007 on the old East Lancs Paper Mill site.

It marks the final phase of the reorganisation of secondary school teaching in Radcliffe, following the federation of Radcliffe and Coney Green high schools in 2003.

Diana Morton, Riverside High School headteacher, said: "Because it is not being funded by any outside concern we will get what we want for our school.

"We have already held discussions with the children and the architects and are now considering feedback from parents and other residents from last week's presentation."

Plans for the East Lancs Paper Mill site, part of the Reinventing Radcliffe scheme, is still for a mixed-use neighbourhood incorporating the new school.