PAST pupils and friends have been urged to help a school make the most of its extension.

Builders have arrived at Barton Primary School, which is to benefit from a new hall, classroom, kitchen, staff room and office thanks to investment from North Yorkshire County Council's education department.

The Friends of Barton School have raised more than £8,000 to ensure pupils and staff can make the best of their new building.

It is hoped the local community will join in a number of other money-spinning initiatives to help cover the cost of quality fixtures and fittings.

People can buy bricks for the extension, with the names of those who donate cash to be listed in a book of thanks.

A fundraising event has been arranged from 7pm on Friday, February 27, when past pupils are welcome to return and reminisce over wine and canapes.

Detailed drawings of how the finished extension will look will also be on show and there will be a quiz and competition.

"The extension means we can demolish the 50-year-old temporary building while the design is such that the younger children will be able to play in an enclosed courtyard,'' said headteacher, Liz Trewhitt.

"The friends have done a marvellous job already, but the more we can raise as a community, the better the school facilities will be, not just for today's children, but for everyone else in future."