LEARNERS old and young have been celebrating the re-opening of a top school.

Newall Green Secondary school in Wythenshawe has undergone an £18m facelift.

The school, which has been given the top ranking of `outstanding' by Ofsted, is the first secondary in the city to be rebuilt under the government's Building Schools for the Future programme.

A new dining room, assembly hall, and science block were constructed as part of the scheme.

The buildings feature the futuristic `breathable' plastic vents used at the iconic Eden Project in Cornwall, as well as colourful outdoor cladding. Further upgrade work will be completed by November.

Head teacher Neil Wilson said: "This is part of the future of Wythenshawe. I know its going to improve the lives of children here now and those who are not yet born."

Pupils and teachers were joined by pensioners Katie Wright, 102, and 94-year-old Alice Roberts, residents from nearby sheltered housing projects, who were the guests of honour at the opening.

The new facilities - including sports pitches, gym and dance and drama studios - will be available to residents during evenings and weekends.