PUPILS and staff at a state-of-the-art Greenock high school showed off their stunning new building as the community gathered for its official opening.

The ribbon was cut at Notre Dame High as the facility was formally opened in front of pupils, teachers, council officials, the church and members of the wider community on Wednesday.

The �29 million school has been open to staff and students since June and the early signs show the stunning building is having a positive effect on pupils.

The flagship facility has a capacity for 850 pupils plus additional accommodation for approximately 40 youngsters in its communications and language unit.

It boasts a number of top-of-the-range features including sports pitches and interactive white-boards.

But head teacher, Grant McGovern, says the spacial layout and abundance of natural light is just as important.

Mr McGovern said: "The whole demeanour of the students and the way they approach coming to school has changed because of the new building.

"The attendance has gone up and behaviour is improving.

"The pupils are happy and that is partly to do with the design of the building because it's open and bright and a nice place to be in.

"Pupils want to stay in the school and I couldn't have asked for more."

Inverclyde Council's convener of education and lifelong learning, councillor Terry Loughran, also revealed that the new building is having a positive effect on pupils' dining habits.

Out of all schools in Inverclyde, Notre Dame has shown the largest increase of students having lunch in school - up by 54 per cent on last year.

Provost Michael McCormick, who was on-hand to unveil a plaque commemorating the opening says the school also has an importance for the wider community.

Councillor McCormick said: "This state-of-the-art school boasts facilities which are second to none.

"The new Notre Dame is not just a school facility, it's an essential part of our drive to improve community facilities and to encourage participation in sports and recreation to allow our communities to enjoy the health and social benefits they bring."

Guests were treated to a musical performance from the school brass band before enjoying a guided tour of the building.

Head boy and S6 pupil Ruairidh Forde said: "We are back home - where we should be.

"The new building makes coming to school more attractive for pupils."

Head girl Zoe Macdonald added: "I never used to spend time in the library but now I am never out of it.

"It's such a nice place to spend time in."