A MULTI-PURPOSE hall, costing £388,000 was officially unveiled at a North-East school yesterday.

Linthorpe Junior School, at Roman Road, Middlesbrough, was the proud recipient of the brand new hall, which will be used for arts productions, assemblies, orchestra practices and games.

It features two wall hangings, which pupils created during a series of weaving workshops led by the professional weaver Fiona Rutherford.

Aimed at reflecting Middlesbrough's heritage, the hangings depict local landmarks, arts and crafts, industries and people, including the Transporter Bridge, the Cleveland Hills, and the Bottle of Notes.

Councillor Kath Bevington, the Mayor of Middlesbrough, and Barbara Comiskey, Middlesbrough Council's corporate education director, joined staff and governor's for the hall's official opening last night.

Headteacher Lyn Newton said: "The whole school, staff and pupils are thrilled and proud of the new hall, the reality of which has surpassed our wildest hopes."