A SCHOOL is celebrating a decade of success ten years after literally rising from the ashes.

In February 2003, St George’s C of E Academy was raised to the ground with just three classrooms and a corridor surviving a devastating blaze.

Pupils and staff moved temporarily into the old Firth Moor Primary School with children being bussed between Darlington and Middleton St George for lessons.

They then returned to the village using temporary classrooms until the new school was built and opened in 2006.

Since then it has gone from strength to strength and to mark the ten-year anniversary of the fire, a huge wall-hanging featuring a dove of peace will be revealed for the first time at a special day of celebration.

More than 400 embroidered squares have been created since January by children, staff and governors and special guests will be invited to a celebration, between 2pm and 3pm on June 28, for its official unveiling

Then the academy will open its doors from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, for a picnic in the grounds.