A VILLAGE school that had not been renovated since 1878 has been given a makeover.

The junior section at North and South Cowton Community Primary School, near North-allerton, has had a staircase and second floor put in to create a new classroom.

The Victorian building has also been repainted, new windows added and interactive whiteboards installed.

Work began in December and took three months to complete.

Last night, the classroom was officially opened by the newly-appointed chairman of North Yorkshire County Council, Councillor Michael Heseltine.

The infants' school, which is on a different site, is being given a similar refurbishment over the summer holidays.