A PRIMARY school in Bolton is celebrating the opening of its new £12,000 "sunshine" room.

Brandwood School in Daubhill has knocked two rooms into one to create a workspace which will be used mainly for initiatives to improve the emotional development of pupils.

The multi-cultural room, which has been given an ethnic theme, will be used by small groups for discussions. Learning mentors will also be able to work with a handful of children at a time.

Parents will also have access to the sunshine room and will be invited to social occasions or to take part in parenting groups.

Headteacher Rosemary Jones said: "This demonstrates our continuing commitment to our children. I've wanted this room for so long. We will be able to use it for so many initiatives."

Having the new room will enable some pupils to have a little quietness and privacy, away from the hustle and bustle of regular classrooms so they can focus on specific areas of learning.

Speaking and listening groups will be meeting in the new room, as will youngsters who need extra help with language.

Funding for the room came from a variety of sources including the Government's behaviour improvement programme, charitable organisations and fund-raising by the school.