CHILDREN and teachers at Willow Lane Primary School had a day to remember on Friday with the official opening of its new £500,000 extension.

The new building finally brings the school together on one site for the first time and provides a well lit and resourced facility.

It features four new classrooms, a library and computer suite, art/craft and design area and spacious cloakrooms, corridors and an entrance foyer.

The deputy mayor, Cllr Roger Sherlock, cut the ribbon leading to the new building while Lancaster MP Hilton Dawson unveiled a plaque in the new building.

The children and guests, who also included the chairman of Lancashire County Council, Cllr Nikki Penney and local Cllr Jon Barry, planted more than 70 willow saplings in the school field.

The chairman of governors, Brian Penney, praised parents, staff and, in particular, head teacher Ray Beecham for their hard work in realising the dream of building the new facility.

Mr Penney said: "Willow Lane is a well-managed and very successful school with a team of hard-working, committed and professional teachers, high quality support and non-teaching staff, a number of dedicated volunteer helpers and a caretaker who is unsurpassed.

"The school is set in a supportive community with families who are caring and support the work of the school.

"The evidence for the success of Willow Lane School lies in the fact that it has recently won a national award for outstanding academic achievement and several awards for sporting success."

Mr Dawson told the children: "I have been to a great many schools and opening ceremonies but this one is the best! This is a really great school."