THE Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, helped staff and children from a North Yorkshire school celebrate the opening of a new extension.

The two classrooms and ICT suite were opened at the Forest of Galtres Anglican/Methodist Primary School, in Shipton-by-Beningbrough, at a ceremony held yesterday.

Dr Hope was joined by chairman of the York and Hull District of the Methodist Church, the Rev Stuart Burgess, officials from North Yorkshire County Council, and representatives from RBA Moody, the building contractors.

To commemorate the opening of the new facilities the children, helped by parents, have painted their faces on to a wall in the corridor to create a lasting feature.

Updated: 09:51 Wednesday, October 30, 2002