BOLTON'S first free school has celebrated the official opening of its new building.

The Olive Tree Primary School moved to its new premises in Adelaide Street, on Wednesday.

Formerly based in St Helens Road, the school now boasts a state-of-the-art rooftop football pitch, timber trail, a rustic outdoor mini-beast garden area, bespoke £28,000 library, 14 digitally-equipped classrooms, three additional learning spaces and a spacious studio.

To celebrate its opening the school, which was rated outstanding by Ofsted in its last inspection in 2015, children’s book author, Christina Gabbitas staged a book signing for children and parents.

Bolton Wanderers representative Paul Makinson also supported the event by sending football coaches to showcase the school's football teams' talents on the rooftop pitch and more than 500 visitors were shown around the school throughout the day and evening.

Pupils got stuck into the celebrations too and wore personalised celebration hats, sang the school's hymn and poem recitals were given by the head boy and girl.

The school was decorated for the opening with balloons and self portraits of the children.

The Olive Tree opened in 2013 and is a mixed sex Muslim school, free from local authority control, catering for children aged four to 11 years old.

Headteacher Farhat Choudry said the day was a "huge success" and a "proud day" for all.

A spokesman for the school added: "In total, it is estimated that 475 parents and guests visited the school on the day.

"All lavished praise on the new school building, which has been in use since September and spoke of how it provides the best of what education can offer.

"The grand opening commenced with all the staff and children forming a human chain around the building, in tow with personalised paper chains decorated with words to describe the nebuilding.

"They were hand-made by children as young as four, to the eldest, aged nine.

"Following a countdown, the paper chains were cut with 100 balloons released and confetti poppers let off to mark the ceremony.

"All praise goes to the continued dedication and vision of the headteacher and the ongoing support of all the staff and supporters of The Olive Tree Primary School."