An opening ceremony to mark the completion of expansion works at an Ilkley primary school took place yesterday, Wednesday.

The buildings at Ashlands Primary School in Leeds Road, which include four additional classrooms, staff accommodation and improvements to car parking, were officially opened by Councillor Ralph Berry, executive member for Children and Young People’s Services at Bradford Council.

The completed building programme provides much-needed accommodation and external play space for this popular and expanding school.

The whole school, including its pupils, has been involved in the design and build throughout which was managed by Bradford Council’s Education Buildings Team.

The team, which worked closely with the constructors, used its project management strategy of involving the people who will work and learn in the new accommodation.

Dr Andrew Soutar, headteacher, said: “During the design development and throughout the works on site the school has been closely involved in the decision making process and consulted about all aspects of the project.

“Pupils were involved in some activities including a safety presentation during school assembly and also a “digger day” where all the pupils got the opportunity to sit in a digger and move the controls.

“The children and staff at Ashlands have the learning spaces that they need to reach their full potential.

“We would like to thank everyone from the council and the contractors, Bermar construction, who have been involved in the works.”

Coun Berry added: “I am delighted to be involved in the ceremony at Ashlands Primary. This is another example of the great refurbishment and building work which is happening in many of the district’s primary schools.”