A POOLE school's £1.7million extension has been officially opened.

The block of six new classrooms has been in use at Oakdale Junior School since last September and the modern new design has been enjoyed by its Year 3 pupils.

Now the opportunity has been taken to cut the ribbon and show people around the school's extension.

Wielding the scissors was chairman of the governors, David Mann, who as an architect was involved in the design of the building. Head teacher Eileen Bissell also welcomed representatives of Morgan Sindall construction services, who built the extension.

The new accommodation has allowed the school to increase admission numbers from 140 to 180 pupils, to help meet the growing demand for key stage two places in Poole.

"Because the school size was going up, that's why we had to have a new extension built in the first place," said Louise Scrivenor, PA to the head teacher.

"It's a really nice open area for the children. It's a lovely new environment for them to learn in," she said.

Pupils played a big part in the official opening, with members of the school council proudly showing their guests around the new building.

And reporters from the school's new on-line magazine took the opportunity to question visitors on what they thought of the accommodation, for an article for Behind the Scenes at Oakdale Junior!

The school, which educates children from seven to 11, also has a new pedestrian entrance and a lift.

The Morgan Sindall team also refurbished some of the existing building including the staff room and toilets.

They also created a new playground and a nature garden with a wildlife pond.

The roof has 40 photovoltaic panels which convert sunlight into electricity and will help reduce the school’s carbon emissions.