SCHOOLS Minister David Miliband MP will officially open a school for children with learning difficulties this week.

Mr Miliband will open Columbia Grove School, in Washington, Wearside, tomorrow. It caters for North-East pupils aged two to 11 with autism and severe learning difficulties.

The youngsters will release hundreds of balloons to mark the occasion, before enjoying fairground rides and a disco.

School headteacher Katherine Elliott said : "It's wonderful that we have so many distinguished guests helping us to celebrate the official opening."