THE Bishop of Melanesia swopped the sun of the Solomon Islands for the fun of Tyldesley on Friday afternoon.

The Right Revd. William Pwaisiho conducted the Service of Dedication at the formal opening of the new St George's Central Church of England Primary School in Tyldesley - on St George's Day.

"And he added a great dimension to the whole day. He was great. He made the day," said acting head Gill Fisher.

The Bishop is secondment to the Chester Diocese which has links with Melanesia. The Mayor of Wigan, Hindsford Councillor Sam Little, a governor of the school, unveiled a commemorative plaque during the service.

Also, a special souvenir brochure is being published to mark the event.

Other guests included Chairman of Governors Mr Allan Murgatroyd, the governing body, local councillors, parents and members of the Council's Education Committee, including Chairman, Cllr Brian Wilson.

Cllr Wilson proposed a vote of thanks at the close of the ceremony.

Director of Education, Bob Clark said: "The new school is an amalgamation of St George's and Central.

"Governors wanted a new and exciting building to reflect the birth of their new school and to create an image to take it in to the next Millennium.

"More practically they wanted a new energy efficient, low maintenance building. They have got both, and as a bonus, it is a building in which it will be a pleasure to learn and teach.

"It will not have escaped anyone's notice that the service and opening took place on St George's Day, which also happened to be World Book Day and Shakespeare's birthday, both of which have profound educational significance."

Pictured are the Mayoress , Mr Murgatroyd , the Bishop, Mrs Fisher and Mayor.

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