WORK to create a state-of-the-art new sports hall at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School will be officially completed later this month.

The Waterfoot school's new headteacher, Marc Morris, told parents, pupils, teachers and governors at last evening's speech night that the £1million project will be completed by November 21.

The news comes on the back of a successful visit from Prince Edward who was at the school on Monday to officially open the new sports hall.

Mr Morris said: "The builders did a fantastic job of having the building ready for the visit and it really is a most impressive facility and a huge credit to the strength of BRGS in raising all of the money to build it - something other schools don't have to do and probably wouldn't be able to do.

"I am happy to report that the school looked its best for the visit and that all students were able to take part and behaved impeccably."

The Glen Road school has had three headteachers in the past year with Martyn Morris retiring in the autumn term, Dr Arthur Robinson taking control during spring term and Mr Morris who arrived for the start of the summer term.

The new head commended the school's progress and celebrated a year where previous GCSE and A Level records had been broken.

He said: "New heights were established. Last year's A-level results were the best ever. So much for the adage that two heads are better than one -- three are clearly better still."

He added: "I am very proud of our young adults and am delighted that we are able to recognise their achievements in a formal and positive way when there is so much criticism of young people in the press and media.

"My overwhelming impression upon joining BRGS is that we have a community of students who are a source of pride for all of us associated with them -- long may that tradition continue."