SIXTEEN years after it moved into 'temporary' premises St Saviour's Primary School, New Line, Bacup will celebrate the new millennium by taking over its new building.

The new school has been built in just 11 months.

Pupils and teachers have been housed in buildings in Stubbylee Park ever since the old school was condemned.

The school has cost £1.3 million and was not due to be finished until Easter, but Bramall Construction has worked around the clock and pupils will move into the new school in January.

Head Gillian Johnson is delighted. She said: "This is a lovely Christmas present for us." She thanked the workmen for their efforts and said: "We're really looking forward to the new millennium and having a home of our own."

Chairman of governors Tim Calder said that during the first week in January there would be an official opening by Emily Aston, a former pupil who starred in Coronation Street as Becky Palmer, the precocious daughter of Des Barnes's girlfriend.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale, Councillor Alan Neal and his wife Janet, will attend and all past pupils are welcome.

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