A SCHOOL has officially opened its new classroom with the help of a top North-East footballer.

Middlesbrough FC’s Stewart Downing cut the ribbon to mark the unveiling of the newly-refurbished Marie Madeleine Convent Building at the town’s Trinity Catholic College.

The facilities, including the MFC Foundation Satellite Centre, will be used by pupils from Catholic schools across Middlesbrough.

The refurbishment of the building has been funded by Middlesbrough Local Authority through the Middlesbrough Achievement Partnership.

Speaking to The Northern Echo after the ceremony, the Boro midfielder told of the importance of the football club engaging with the community.

“It is important for us to give something back to the area.

“It has been a tough year for the town with the steel works, but we still get so much support from the fans and it has been great for them to see us back in the Premier League.”

Peter Coady, headteacher at Trinity Catholic College, said: said: “We are delighted to be opening this innovative learning centre in partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation and Middlesbrough Headstart.

“Our school is always open to developing innovative ways to make learning even more enjoyable, purposeful and relevant for our students.”

Helena Bowman, head of MFC Foundation, added: “It is important we use the brand of the football club to help young people perform better in school.”