PUPILS at a new school reached for the stars during the official opening of its £6.5 million site.

Hundreds of youngsters released balloons into the air during a special ceremony at Clarendon Primary School’s new purpose built site in Heywood Park, Great Lever.

The school also buried a time capsule underground which is designed to be opened in 100 years.

It features photos of current children and letters written by them about school life, as well as a poppy to mark the centenary of World War One, and even a copy of The Bolton News.

In one of his last acts as Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Martin Donaghy, who is also on the school’s board of governors, cut the ribbon to declare the new building officially open.

The school moved from its old building at Clarendon Street in April last year, which has since been demolished after a mystery fire.

Headteacher Vicky Chatterjee said the new building, which includes state of the art facilities, has now firmly become the school’s home.

Mrs Chatterjee said: “I was really proud because all of the children were so excited by the whole event, and even though we have been in for a year, it doesn’t seem like that long, it has absolutely flown.

“They love the school, and they were so excited by it and it brought a new energy to the whole place.

“It is like we have been here forever, it is a lovely place to be. The staff love it and the children love it, and it seems like a lifetime ago.”

Facilities include a multipurpose play area featuring a soft surface to protect the children, outdoor growing areas and kitchens to allow pupils to learn how to cook, as well as the latest IT equipment.

Mrs Chaterjee said during the past year staff have been able to make the building their own.

She added: “Because it was a purpose built school, we literally moved in and just got cracking and we have managed to put our own imprint on it.

The school had been earmarked by education bosses as a priority rebuild as far back as 2009, with plans being put forward to relocate it.

The new building also incorporates features of the old site, originally built in 1886, including the original terracotta and two rolls of honour in memory of former pupils who fought in the First World War.