PUPILS were in wonderland as Lady Alice Primary held its official opening yesterday following a £3.8 million refurbishment.

The school built in 1937 and has been transformed with a major revamp including better classrooms, a new assembly hall and outdoor areas, dining area, and library.

The official unveiling was attended by mums and dads, teachers, councillors and the builders who worked on the school.

Head teacher Gail Connick, who introduced the school choir and musicians to entertain the guests, said: “We are delighted with the quality of the work and the opportunities it will provide for our learners.

"The pupils are all really pleased with it too and I would like to thank everyone who made it happen.”

One of the VIPs who spoke at the event was ex-pupil Councillor Natasha Murphy, the vice-convener of communities.

She said: “I am very impressed with the new look.

"I am glad that some of the original features that I remember have remained but that it is now a new place for the pupils to thrive.”

Councillor Murphy was also impressed by the talented pupils.

She said: “The school has always been very musical and the pupils were all amazing, they did the school proud.”

Provost Martin Brennan added: “The refurbishment is first class, it looks like a new school and the children really seem to enjoy it."

Councillor Jim Clocherty says the pupils will thrive in their new-look environment.

He told the Tele: “Lady Alice Primary has a place in the heart of this community. The work means that the school is now modernised and a great place for the pupils to learn.

“The pupils all did the school and their parents proud at the opening, they were fantastic and the singing was excellent.”

Representatives from Clark Contracts, who carried out the work were also at the ceremony.

Project manager Andy Sorley said: “We are delighted to be here and to be able to see the impact our work has had on the school.

“It’s great to see it being used and the pupils enjoying it."

Lesley Caldwell, depute head, has been at Lady Alice for 26 years and says the refurbishment marks a new era.

She said: “It is lovely that it is still the original building that everyone loved, there have just been lots of improvements.

“The refurbishment will definitely make a difference and we are glad that the opening was such a success, the pupils all did us proud.”