THE children at Beamsley's Boyle and Petyt Primary School have two new purpose-built classrooms.

Ben Heyes, chairman of the Boyle and Petyt Foundation, handed the keys to the new energy-efficient facilities to headteacher Imogen Addy.

The foundation is responsible for the primary school buildings and has worked tirelessly over the past year to raise enough money to pay for the work.

Eventually there will be a new garden at the back of the classrooms.

Mr Heyes thanked local people for organising fundraising events and for their personal donations as well as organisations such as North Yorkshire County Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for their support. He also thanked parents, staff and local volunteers who have helped with the planning and construction of the building.

It was designed by local architect John Wharton to reflect the shape of the original school buildings and was constructed by Skipton-based Roger Tiffany Ltd.

The classrooms will be used from September to provide all-day care for pre-school and reception children as well as a base for before and after school clubs.

Pupils are currently deciding on a name for the new building.

A celebration open day will take place in the near future but in the meantime anyone interested in booking a place for their child can contact the school on 01756 710378.