A BRIGHT £400,000 extension opened at Northallerton's Applegarth School last week.

At a ceremony last Wednesday, pupils and staff showed guests round the four classrooms, soft play area, library and offices. The rooms have a contemporary look, with light-timber windows, skylights and furniture.

The extension is situated behind the old 1909 school.

North Yorkshire director of education Cynthia Welbourn cut a red-white and blue ribbon, saying: "It's lovely to be here, celebrating good news. This has been a long time coming for Applegarth."

She praised staff, pupils and parents for their co-operation - plus education officers and councillors, particularly cabinet member Carl Les.

Head teacher Al Proctor said: "When I came here 20 years ago, we hoped to get a new school. We struggled to get that but this is the next best thing."

Pupil Ellen Wilson, 11, of South Parade, added: "It's good. I really like the soft play area, even though I'm too old for it."

Northallerton firm RBA Moody built the extension over eight months. James Moody said: "The work has gone well and the school's chuffed to bits."