A NEW preparatory school building has opened at the independent Roman Catholic school Oakhill College, in Whalley.

The new building, which will cater for 100 children, opened after three years of planning and fund-raising by school governors, teachers and parents.

The purpose-built building has IT facilities and a science laboratory, as well as eight classrooms with wet, soft play and comfort areas.

Chairman of governors Tony Baron said: "Our aim was to build a comfortable, homely environment that was bright and welcoming to facilitate these vital years of learning.

"The extremely positive reaction to the new facility from pupils, teachers and parents has far exceeded anything we could have imagined."

The school's former preparatory classrooms will now be used to teach music, drama, art and design.

Mr Baron added a new sports hall was now being planned to be built within the next two years.