A SCHOOL'S new extension received a VIP visit from Darlington's mayor last week before enjoying a sunny sports day.

Coun Dot Long, herself a former teacher, and her husband Robert, were escorted around Polam Hall School, in Darlington, by girls from the school's year six.

The new two-storey extension provides the school's junior department with four new classrooms, a staff room and cloakroom.

Coun Long rounded off her day by presenting the prizes at the junior school's sports day.

Angela Foster, junior head, said: "We were delighted to welcome the mayor to the school. "As a former teacher, the mayor was very interested in the girls and what they thought of the new building. She was very impressed with the building and keen to know how the school is expanding in the junior school sector."

Coun Long said she was delighted to have been invited to the event