AN MP returned to school yesterday to take a look at improvements since his last visit.

Sunderland City Council has upgraded the facilities for the reception class and years one and two - at Barnwell Primary School, Penshaw.

Fraser Kemp, MP for Houghton and Washington East, had previously opened a new wing there.

Pam Tennant, headteacher of the 250-pupil school, said: "The provision previously left a lot to be desired.

"It had been in the mind's eye of the staff for some time what they would like to do. Their vision came to fruition through support from the budget and capital allocation.

"The classrooms have been refurbished. They were open plan, but now they have been closed in and they are much more spacious.

"They have new furniture, they have been soundproofed and they have very comfortable conditions for learning.''

Mrs Tennant said she was pleased to welcome the MP back to the school.

Mr Kemp said: " I was delighted to accept the invitation of the head teacher, Pat Tennant, and chair of governors Councillor John Mawston to join with the school in celebrating recent improvements to the premises.

"It's good to see at first hand the results of increased funding and, of course, it's always a pleasure to visit the schools in the constituency.''