A VILLAGE which has waited nearly 40 years for a new school - and at one time feared the old one be forced to close - are finally celebrating.

Prior to the half-term holidays, youngsters at Grewelthorpe CofE Primary School, near Ripon, worked in cramped conditions in a 126-year-old building.

After the break, they returned to a purpose-built school giving them modern facilities and more space, both indoors and out.

In the old school, two classes had to share the same room. Now they have separate rooms. A computer suite has been provided and there is a dedicated school hall, which, unlike previously, does not have to be converted from classrooms.

In addition, the children can now do PE using their own gym equipment.

Another major plus for the youngsters, whose ages range from five to 11, is that they now have a choice of meals. Before, ready cooked meals were driven five miles from Ripon by taxi. Now, they are cooked on the premises.

The new building, constructed at the village's highest point at Cross Hills, overlooks the old Victorian school which is to be sold.