BUILDERS are moving in this week to extend Bolton's most popular school.

Work is to start on two major projects at Harper Green School in Farnworth which will improve facilities for the growing pupil population.

Over the years the school has become so popular that every year nearly two hopeful parents apply for their child to fill each empty desk.

Governors did increase the number of places from 220 to 260 but last year the school still had to disappoint 192 parents.

Many of the extra pupils are now taught in special teaching areas once reserved for specialist lessons.

But education chiefs successfully applied for more cash to extend the school to cope with the extra pupils.

Now the Harper Green will benefit from a £544,000 modern science and technology suite and the PE changing rooms will also receive a £103,000 face-lift.

Head Mr Peter Jeffries said: "It is a wonderful feeling to be in such a popular school.

"The increased growth means that the facilities at the school will be second to none."

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