CHILDREN, staff, parents and guests gathered for the formal launch of a new climbing wall at a school in the Worth Valley.

The facility has been installed at Lees Primary School, and was opened last Friday. (June 22)

The wall was funded by money from the Sports Premium scheme and through a donation from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

A spokesman for Lees Primary said: "The children are really enjoying this new resource and it's getting plenty of use, both at lunch times and during the day.

"Our grand opening for the wall on June 22 was very well attended by children and their parents and carers.

"We also had the CEO of Bronte Academy Trust, Gill Holland, as well as Worth Valley Ward Councillor Rebecca Poulsen and Victoria Fattorini present to enjoy the atmosphere.

"Mrs Fattorini was invited by ourselves to cut the ribbon as she was once a pupil here at Lees Primary back in the 1950s and has very fond memories of this wonderful school.

"She recently met some of our children on the train to Saltaire on a trip and was so impressed by their good manners. She told us in an e-mail that the pupils were 'polite, friendly and pleasant, and a credit to their parents and the school.'"

Mrs Fattorini and Cllr Poulsen cut a ribbon to officially launch the wall.

Youngsters got to grips with the wall's handholds during the day, assisted by members of staff.