A GREENOCK primary school is looking as good as new after a £4 million redevelopment.

Lady Alice has been completely transformed in time for pupils starting back this morning.

Inverclyde Council has spent £3.8m extending and completely refurbishing the 81-year-old school.

It now has revamped classrooms, an assembly hall and outdoor areas, and an extension to the rear featuring a striking new entrance and foyer, dining area and computer and library suite.

The playgrounds have also been upgraded, with the addition of a multi-use sports pitch.

Head teacher Gail Connick said: "The transformation is incredible - you wouldn't know it's a refurbishment and not a new-build.

"It's really hard to choose a favourite part but I do love the ICT and library and having that library is so important for developing literacy and that love of reading."

Ex-pupil Natasha Murphy, the council's vice-convener of communities and ward councillor, said: "I'm glad they kept the original stage in the assembly hall and the gym store has been taken away so it's a lot bigger and there's now a separate canteen and gym hall.

"It's nice to see the outside areas have been repurposed for the nursery children and it's amazing that there's a lift because it's an old building and wasn't designed with the mindset of everyone having access.

"Now children who are less able or who have had an accident and broken their arm or leg, for example, have access."

The renovation is part of the local authority's ambitious '2020 vision' to either rebuild or extensively refurbish every Inverclyde school by then.

Education convener Councillor Jim Clocherty said: "This is a refurbished school but it's as good as a new school while retaining the character of the building and ensuring there's modern facilities for children in a 21st century environment."

Pupils and staff had been decanted to the former St Stephen's High building in Port Glasgow for around 18 months while the work was carried out by Clark Contracts.

Provost Martin Brennan said: "It's an old school built in 1937 and now looks like a 21st century school.

"The transformation is remarkable."

Ward councillors Tommy McVey and John Crowther were also given a tour of the new Lady Alice before the doors opened this morning.

Mr McVey said: "It's a fantastic facility."

Councillor Crowther added: "It's much bigger than I expected.

"The extension will definitely assist the children, teachers and parents."