YOUNG people will be able to enjoy the full dining experience for the first time after one of Bolton’s top performing and outstanding schools received a multi-million cash injection.

St James’ CE School in Farnworth has put forward plans to build a new dining hall and new classrooms after being awarded £3.2 million from the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund.

Headteacher Tania Lewyckyj said a new dining room would allow young people to enjoy the experience of sitting and eating a meal with others.

She said: “We were given £3 million from the DFEs Condition Funds for academies last year to replace B block at St James, which we were delighted with. This year for The Bishop Fraser Trust we received £750,000 for Canon Slade for replacements of windows, doors and upgrades. £300,000 to awarded to BSCA to make the perimeter of the site safe. In addition, St James’ was awarded £3.2 million for a new C-block, including a new dining area which will help us move on our environmental pledges to eradicate plastic and litter as currently children have to deal with takeaway-style foods. In our new dining room children will be able to leisurely eat with their friends using restaurant-style cutlery and crockery — pupils are really excited about the new build.”

Plans submitted to Bolton Council include proposals for a two storey building to house the dining hall and five classrooms, replacing an old teaching block which will be demolished after being condemned on structural grounds.

It is the second time the school has successfully bid for government cash. Earlier this year an old teaching block was replaced by a modern new one — more than 30 years after it was earmarked for demolition.

A similar planning application has also been submitted for nearby Harper Green School, which also benefit from the Government pot.

The school is hoping for a new two-storey building to provide additional teaching space and dining facilities. The new build will provide nine classrooms, toilet and office facilities.

A school spokesman said: “The plans we have submitted will allow us to add to our dynamic and stimulating learning environment and will benefit all our current and future students. Building work will start over the summer and we invite all prospective parents and pupils to visit us on Thursday 19th September at our annual Open Evening to see our plans and hear more about this exciting development at Harper Green School.”