A FORMER pupil returned to re-open his old school this week.

Work over the summer has transformed St Mary's CE Primary, in Hawkshaw, to twice its size, and Councillor Bill Johnson and his wife, Joyce (a former headteacher of the Bolton Road school) formally reopened it on Sunday.

Other guests included the Bishop of Bolton, the Rt Rev David Gillett, Bury Mayor Coun Wilf Davison and his wife, Maureen, Coun Yvonne Wright, Coun David Higgin and Mr Harold Williams, director of education.

A dedication service took place in St Mary's Church, followed by the cutting of the ribbon at the main entrance of the school and the unveiling of the plaque by Coun Johnson. More than £300,000 has been spent on the school to add a first floor to the 1862 building. The Friends of St Mary's raised £15,000 in just 18 months towards the cost.

Mr Graham Scott, headteacher of the school, said: "This is all the more remarkable when you consider there are only 70 families at the school."

He added: "The quality of the learning environment is now far superior. The children are very excited and extremely positive about the extension."

On October 14, as part of the celebrations to mark the extension, the school is planning an open day for the public. Villagers, past pupils and anyone else interested is welcome to the visit the school.