BOLTON Wanderers legend Kevin Davies inspired young people to reach their goals as he officially opened Kearsley Academy’s multi-million new campus.

A special ceremony was held to celebrate the new school, which started teaching children in May last year.

Davies was invited to take centre stage at the opening extravaganza featuring a samba band and outdoor performances by Kearsley Academy Acapella group, Rock Band. And dancers and cheerleaders showcased their choreography.

Davies addressed the audience and cut the ceremonial ribbon, describing the building as “fantastic” and providing one of the “best learning environments” he had seen.

He stressed the importance of working hard to achieve goals.

Principal Nigel Jepson said Kearsley Academy had come a long way since it was established in September, 2010, with academic standards rising.

He added it had gained the confidence of the community.

Mr Jepson said: “The new building has really been a vital extra factor in making the academy even more successful and a popular choice with parents and students.

“The local community takes such pride in having such state-of-art facilities and that is very pleasing to see.”

Kearsley Academy is sponsored by the Northern Education Trust, a multi-academy trust based in the North East of England, since 2010 Alex Wallace, aged 15, said: “The opening was a great display of the academy, showing its excellent facilities.

“It was amazing to have a local celebrity like Kevin Davies opening it.

“It made the day, with such a public figure giving up his time to open the building.”

Logan Brown, aged 13, said: “Having Kevin Davies open our academy and opening ceremony was momentous.

“He toured the academy and then watched all of the performances.”

Talisha Peach, aged 12, added: “The opening was really fun and upbeat.

“The fact that Kevin Davies came to the academy was exciting, He was really friendly and positive about everything we are doing.”