STAFF and pupils at a new Bolton school celebrated the completion of its first year -- with a special opening ceremony.

The 140 youngsters at Rumworth School played host to VIP guests and enjoyed a concert by the Bolton Youth brass ensemble.

The pupils and more than 40 staff moved into the purpose-built building last September, but waited until this week for their official opening ceremony.

Rumworth School, which caters for pupils with special educational needs, was formerly Woodside Senior School, which was based in Chorley New Road.

However, a new school building was needed which was more suitable for the needs of the pupils, including wider corridors for wheelchairs.

Pupils and parents often found it difficult to reach Woodside because of the heavy traffic. The new building is easily accessible and is based on the same site as The Deane secondary school, helping to create a strong bond between the school communities.

Deane pupils visit Rumworth to read to the youngsters, they attend each other's school shows and the heads have formed a close working relationship.

At the same time as the pupils moved to a new location and their school gained a different name, they also welcomed a new headteacher. Bill Bradbury, who was previously head of a school in Stalybridge, took over the reigns from Tony Jones.

He said: "This is the end of an exhausting, but excellent year. It has been hard work for everyone involved, but this is a great place to teach and for the pupils to learn in because it's so bright and airy."