A BRIGHT orange bi-plane which had a starring role in a school's end-of-term show could soon by flying to a new home.

Staff and pupils at St James Primary School in Daisy Hill are hopeful that another school, nursery or community group will adopt the plane.

School technician Peter Schofield spent two months building the plane, called the Pomegranate Princess, which measures 12ft long by 12ft wide.

The plane, which was created for the school show entitled The Red Mackintosh and Mandarin Mystery, was made from timber and recycled rubbish.

It has a working propeller and proved to be a huge hit with the pupils.

Youngsters at the Hindley Road school have nicknamed the plane "Pommie" and are keen for it to remain in one piece instead of being dismantled.

Mr Schofield, who has worked at St James's for seven years, helped out with a previous school show by making an entire car from cardboard.

He said: "Building the plane was good fun. I got very attached to the plane working on it every night after school and I would be very sad to see it dismantled."

He added: "Everywhere I go in school the kids ask me not to pull Pommie apart!"

Mary Holowaty, administrator at the school, said: "The whole play had a fruit theme to it, which is where the pomegranate name came from.

"A member of staff spent weeks trying to find the right colour of orange paint.

"The kids have seen the plane being built week by week and have become very attached, but wWe simply do not have enough room to keep it at the school.

"Everyone was heartbroken at the thought of it being smashed up, so we're hopeful that someone else will be able to give it a home or even use it in another production."

Anyone interested in offering the bi-plane a new home is asked to call the school on 01942 634688.