PUPILS from primary schools throughout the borough were the special guests at the opening of the North West's newest visitor centre, The World of Glass.

The children were among a host of visitors and VIP guests to the glittering new £14 million attraction including the Mayor of St Helens, Councillor Pat Jackson, Sir Antony and Lady Kirsty Pilkington, Saints players, Dave Watts (MP for St Helens North), and Fred Talbot the Granada TV weatherman.

The official opening ceremony marked the culmination of nine years of planning and represents a major landmark in the regeneration of St Helens town centre.

In 1997 a National Heritage Lottery Fund contribution of £8,385,000 helped to make the dream of a leading visitor attraction come true.

The National Heritage Lottery money was quickly followed by European support in the form of Objective One and RECHAR II grants totalling £2,240,000.

Gordon Kirk, Director of The World of Glass, said: "Today is an important milestone for us, marking the culmination of almost a decade of hard work by literally hundreds of people who have been involved in the project. Thanks to their commitment and dedication St Helens now has a stunning visitor attraction of which it can be justifiably proud." Sir Antony Pilkington, Chairman of The World of Glass since 1996, said: "We always knew that the history of glass and St Helens part in the glass making industry was a great story to tell, but it was deciding on which was the best way to relate that story. Now we have got the story of the town's heritage and the important part it played in the glass making industry under one roof. It's taken nine years for The World of Glass to come to fruition but it's been well worth the effort.

"St Helens has got a lot to be proud of in its heritage and in this new centre."

Deputy Headteacher of Carr Mill Junior School, Alison Tobin, who had taken a group of youngsters from the school to the opening was delighted with the new centre.

She said: "The children have really enjoyed their visit today and we will definitely be bringing groups to The World of Glass in the future. The centre will also be having special study days which we feel will be beneficial for our children and they're provided free of charge.

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