A SCHOOL marked the culmination of several years of work last night when it celebrated becoming a specialist media arts college.

About 250 guests attended King James I Community Arts College to watch music, dance and drama performances by pupils.

The school secured its status in September 2005, but was officially launched after extensive renovation.

The improvements include better disabled access and a new reception and gallery, featuring virtual art, pictures and paintings.

Local councillors, council officials, governors and sponsors were invited to look around by headteacher Steve Rodchester, who joined the school four years ago.

He said: "This is a celebration of the school gaining its specialist status and also a thank you to everyone who has made it possible, from staff and students to sponsors and governors.

"We are in our second year as an arts centre, but we decided to delay the launch until work was completed on our new entrance and gallery.

"We began working towards this several years ago.

"It is fitting that we mark it in new-look surroundings which have not only improved the image of the school, but also provided access to the full curriculum for students with physical disabilities."

The school first announced plans to become a centre of excellence for performing arts in 2000 and an Ofsted report earlier this year recognised the impact of the status.

The school's drama group, Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans, is thriving, and so is the student radio station, King James FM, inspectors said.

The report added that standards had been raised in all subjects. Former pupil Paul Charlton, who went to the school and college between 1993 and 2000, was guest of honour at last night's event.

Mr Charlton, 25, has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and on television shows, including Little Britain and the BBC3 series Dog Town.

He has also completed a year's writer's residency with New Writing North.

Mr Charlton said he was impressed with the changes at the school.

He said: "King James set me on the path to my chosen career and with performing arts status, there are, hopefully, going to be a lot more opportunities for pupils at the school."