A PADIHAM High School has been given a new lease of life thanks to £500,000 of government investment.

Gawthorpe High School, in Burnley Road, officially unveiled the radical improvements to the public yesterday.

The school's new sports barn and contemporary design technology suite was paid for by cash from the New Deals for Schools initiative.

MP Peter Pike, the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Gordon Birtwistle, the Mayor and Mayoress of Padiham, Councillor Granville Lord and his wife Pat were there to witness the event.

The school's acting headteacher, Mike Tull, said: "The work was completed two weeks ago and the rooms have been used by the pupils since. They love it and are very proud of the new facilities.

"The work has been taking place since June so it is nice to see the finished article.

"It has given the school a new lease of life. We already have a very successful PE department so this can only go towards aiding that and providing pupils with an excellent facility.

"We are also now able to offer more National Curriculum subjects, which is a significant enhancement for the school. The provision is also to be made available to the wider community." The sports barn is equipped with a gymnasium and sports equipment.

Burnley MP Peter Pike said: "The improvements are great. I have been supporting the school to get this facility for some time. All the equipment is not yet in the sports barn and craft rooms, but they should be complete soon. It has given Gawthorpe a tremendous boost."