A BISHOP has officially opened a school refurbishment project which allows children freely in and out of the classroom.

Barton Primary School's new extended classroom was first drawn up over a year ago by the former head teacher.

Work started on the project in Easter and was opened earlier this term.

The work has been made on the key stage one area. Two classrooms have been merged into one, with a new outside area added.

The Rt Rev James Bell, suffragan Bishop of Knaresborough, performed a blessing ceremony and cut the ribbon for the new classroom.

School administrator Karen Coates said: "It has been a major improvement.

"We have combined two classrooms into one, put a mezzanine floor in and an outside canopy to give pupils a free flow for them to go in and out all the time.

"It is absolutely fantastic. They can go on their trikes in and out and they love it."

Former head teacher Colin Hicks, who first came up with the idea, was at the ceremony, with parents and other delegates.

New head teacher Sue Brooks, class teacher Claire Shepherd and chair of governors Barbara Whittle completed his work.