A BOLTON primary school is today celebrating a cracking Christmas cash bonanza.

After an 18-year fight, the Government has stumped up the cash to make the dream of a new Oxford Grove County Primary School a reality.

Staff at the 93-year-old school which has a leaking roof, ill-fitting windows and cramped classrooms, were said to be ecstatic at the £415,000 windfall.

The investment marks the start of a rolling programme which will result in a new school on the Shepherd Cross playing fields.

Elsewhere in Bolton, education chiefs are celebrating after being told that they are to get more than £1.2 million to replace and renovate schools.

The money is in addition to the Oxford Grove cash and on top of funds to provide an extra 100 places at Thornleigh Salesian College and help for the borough's Diocesan schools. "When you think of past allocations, this is tremendous news for Bolton," said Cllr Don Eastwood, director of Education and Arts. He added: "It means we can put money into the areas where it's most needed, rather than being forced to turn our backs on schools. Now we're able to ensure all children in the borough get the best possible chance."

At Oxford Grove, headteacher Paul Kelly and his staff are celebrating Christmas early. "This really is tremendous news. This plan was first mooted in 1979 and certainly our deputy head who has been here for 20 years can hardly believe her ears.

"We have a tremendous bunch of kids who deserve the very best and I'm delighted we won't be standing shivering in antiquated buildings in the Millennium."

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