Stilt walkers rolled up to Hardy Memorial Primary School in Richhill, County Armagh, on Wednesday, March 31, to help governors, staff and pupils celebrate the opening of a £350,000 extension to their main building.

The extension, which includes two new classrooms, a resource area and extra play facilities for nursery children, was officially opened by Rev David Coe, chairman of the Board of Governors; Mrs Audrey Henderson, former vice-principal; Mrs Helen McClenaghan, SELB chief executive; Mrs Moira Alexander, SELB chairman and P7 pupil Connie McAllister.

To mark the opening, balloons were launched from the new entrance. Celebrations then continued with children joining in circus games, stilt walking, acrobatics and many other circus activities. Mr Dean Woods, Richhill PS principal, commented: “It was a wonderful celebration marking a new era for the school.” SELB chairman Mrs Moira Alexander said: “I am delighted that the Government has supported this programme of works undertaken by the SELB and funded under the Reinvestment and Reform Initiative.

“What we are marking today is the completion of a £350,000 project which has seen the extension of Hardy Memorial Primary School by two permanent classrooms in place of temporary accommodation, a resource area, toilets, cloakrooms and stores. “A covered play area and sand pit, store and outside play area have also been provided through an extension to the nursery. I congratulate the SELB Architectural and Property Department, which undertook this development, and the contractors who carried out the scheme to such a high standard. I hope the Government will continue to support initiatives which will see fewer children being taught in mobile classrooms..