Pupils have celebrated the opening of a state-of-the art primary school in Buckshaw Village.

The £5.5m school, off Buckshaw Avenue, will cater for more than 200 local pupils.

Trinity CE/Methodist Primary School was commissioned by the Diocese of Blackburn and the Methodist Circuit.

It boasts solar panels to heat water and used rain water to flush toilets. Outside there’s a multi-use games area, habitat garden and two junior sized football pitches, and space has been allocated to extend the school as demand increases.

Head teacher Jill Wright, said: “The children love their new school. It is a wonderful learning environment in which we can work with the children and serve the families of Buckshaw Village.

“My favourite part is the hall, where we can have worship and hopefully hold wonderful productions.”

Other features include a food technology kitchen, wireless network, underfloor heating and a special colourful play area for reception children.

It was designed by Cassidy and Ashton architects, based in Preston, and built by Conlon Construction.

Chris Taylor, of architects Cassidy and Ashton, said: “We set out to create an inspirational building which pupils, teachers and the wider community can be really proud of.”

Construction director Michael Conlon said: “This has been a fantastic project for our team to be involved in.”

“We all hope that pupils and staff members are very happy in their new home. It is so pleasing to see the children enjoying the building and it really brings our work to life.”