A SCHOOL is enjoying a double celebration after a new £1.4m classroom block was opened and students triumphed in a national legal competition.

Richmond MP William Hague took time out from his 43rd birthday celebrations on Friday to officially open the new block, which is the first stage of a ten year development at 1,440-pupil Stokesley School.

The block has 12 new maths and science classrooms and replaces portable accommodation used to house children since 1959.

The scheme has been financed by North Yorkshire County Council's education service and the school itself.

The work was managed mainly by the governors rather than the local authority.

Building work began last June, and despite problems with quicksand and bouts of stormy weather, the block was completed in December, with staff and children moving in last month.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr Hague said: "You always experience tremendous enthusiasm when you visit Stokesley School and we all get caught up in that enthusiasm.

"The school is trying to involve the whole community in the school which is the spirit of education today."

Future plans at the school include a performing arts and community learning suite, complete with a theatre, better entrance, dining hall, sports and recreation facilities, improved sixth form college and new office accommodation.

Headteacher Norman Corner said they hoped to embark on the next phase of development as soon as they could.

"It's just one piece in the jigsaw of improvements for the school which will take place over the next few years," he said. "Our pupils are delighted with their new facility."

On Saturday, students were named winners of the Bar National Mock Trial Competition.

The competition, organised by the Bar Council and the Citizenship Foundation, took place at the Old Bailey in London and was judged by leading legal figures.

Stokesley School emerged as winners after pitting their legal skills against 15 other schools from across the UK.

Teacher Martin Trent said: "I believe that this competition is exceptionally worthwhile as it provides our young people with a unique opportunity to gain an insight to and understanding of the criminal system."