EDUCATION Secretary Charles Clarke praised the teachers of Greater Manchester when he opened a '2m extension at Wardle High School, a specialist arts college in Rochdale.

He applauded their commitment to raising standards following good summer exam results.

He said: "I congratulate all the teachers and the pupils of Greater Manchester following an outstanding set of results. The results reflect hard work."

The school's new extension contains a hydro- therapy suite that will be used by pupils and youngsters living nearby.