A ?3 million project to upgrade Peel Clothworkers School is at last complete - and plans are well underway for a gala opening of the new facilities later this month.

The school is the second largest in the Isle of Man - and has to expand to meet growing numbers of pupils from new housing developments in Peel.

It is at the heart of the local community - with many families educated there over its long history.

Marian Kenny reports:

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Since Auldyn Construction completed the first phase finished last July pupils and staff have enjoyed using the new hall, reception and office complex, special needs unit and ICT suite.

Later this month Department of Education member Eddie Lowey will open other additions - a refurbished sports hall, two extra classrooms and a nursery.

The Chief Minister and an array of senior governement and local politicians will be at the opening ceremony - along with former head teachers, invited back for the occasion.

The school is continuing a 400 year old tradition linking it with local townsman Philip Christian who left Peel to become an apprentice at the Clothworkers Company in London.

Childless when he died, he left in his will the rent of two houses in London for the education of children in Peel .