IT'S top marks for a troubled Blackpool estate with the development of a brand new, up-to-date primary school.

Grange Park Infant and Junior School on Dinmore Avenue, Blackpool, is to be either fully or partly replaced by one single community primary school which promises a multitude of opportunities for pupils and parents alike.

This state-of-the-art educational establishment is planning to set new schooling standards in the area.

High on the schools agenda will be additional activities in the field of computers, art, drama and sport. There will also be many out-of-hours clubs and opportunities for adult learning.

Staff expect to hear in March exactly how much funding the government will make available to them and will set their plans into action accordingly.

Chairman of governors Peter Collins said: "Grange Park has taken too many knocks in the past and it is only a small minority that gives it a bad name. It is an exciting opportunity to provide a new start for the school and a new future for the estate.

"We are very hopeful about the proposals. If it all goes ahead, the new building will be built on the playing field adjacent to the junior school on Dinmore Avenue and the other two sites will close completely and may be part or fully demolished. It could take between 18 months and two years to complete." Mr Collins is keen to stress the important role of parents in the education of their children and will be involving them as much as possible in the new plans.

He went on: "We want to raise the profile of parents and incorporate them into their new school so they too can help their children to achieve. We have invited the parents to help choose a new name for the school and will be encouraging them to get involved in designing a joint logo and uniform."

A new head teacher has already been appointed to the school and will take up his position in April.

Stephen Twist, 48 and pictured here (left) with Peter Collins, is currently head at St George's CE Primary in Atherton, near Wigan, but can't wait to start his new job.

He said: "I am looking forward to starting at Grange Park and I think the new development will be great for the children.

"From what I have heard it sounds a very exciting development and I expect it will be very good for the area. I oversaw a similar amalgamation at Atherton which went very well."