DRAMA and dance groups are among a host of local groups being asked to turn out at an events day at Manor CE School.

The multi-million pound new school in west York is hosting an events day on Friday from 10am till 2pm.

The school is preparing to move to the new building in Millfield Lane after Easter when its facilities will be available to the public for hire.

Facilities available are:

* A 400 seat auditorium that can transform into an amazing theatre space

* Well designed dance and drama studios

* New music rooms together with practice rooms, a recording studio and music technology facilities including a rehearsal room

* An activity studio, a four badminton court Sports hall, a new floodlit all weather surface and four new tennis courts, and three netball courts.

* A Conference room for 16 people with a flexible layout and projector system

* A catering kitchen to accommodate 14

Office manager Rachel Snowden said: “We would like to welcome all groups who are interested in hiring the school facilities to come along on Friday. They can ring in advance for an appointment to look around and call me on 01904 528660. The open day is designed just for groups or individuals wishing to look at facilities available.”

The new school will benefit from £13.6 million of Government cash, with the sale of the current school site in Low Poppleton Lane making up the remaining £4 million for the new school.

The architects for the development are Morgan Lloyd Jones, and the main contractors are Wates Construction, with the York Diocesan Board of Education and City of York Council both having a say in the plans.

The existing school building at nearby Low Poppleton Lane opened in 1965 to accommodate 350 pupils, it has been extended to serve 669 today, and the new buildings will enable the school to cater for 900 pupils.

For any inquiries on hiring facilities at the new school, phone Mrs Snowden on 01904 528660.