THE forecast is bright for Woodhey High after it celebrated its launch as a specialist science college with help from veteran weather presenter Ian McCaskill.

Pupils and invited guests were joined by the former weatherman and BBC North West Tonight presenter Dianne Oxberry for a day packed with weather-based fun before the region's weather forecast was broadcast live from the school's science lab.

The guests toured the Ramsbottom school, including the new science labs, and watched the pupils investigating the weather. Five pupils got the chance to impress Mr McCaskill with their own weather forecast using a powerpoint presentation before the opening ceremony began.

Woodhey High became a specialist science college last September after raising £50,000 through events, including filling the Frank Bennett Hall with coppers and a celebrity balloon launch.

Mr Andrew King, science college manager, addressed the audience and described what work has been done by the school since achieving the status. This has included visiting five partner schools to help them develop science, setting up the Brainiac Science Club and working with the Woodland Trust.

The day also marked the launch of the school's weather station which uses a satellite on the roof to provide accurate forecasts. There are plans to upload the satellite images onto the school website to allow the community to see the Ramsbottom weather forecast.

Mr King said: "It was a good day and now we have to make sure we keep up the work so our specialist status benefits everybody."