TWO Birstall primary schools have undergone a colourful transformation thanks to scores of volunteering staff from a worldwide paint firm.

More than 50 employees of PPG Architectural Coatings – the parent company of Johnstone’s Paint and Leyland Paints which is based in Birstall – worked tirelessly at the schools over the course of two weeks, providing a redecoration makeover.

Birstall Primary and Fieldhead Primary academies have had planters, fences, play equipment, seating and an amphitheatre at Fieldhead painted by the volunteers.

An official opening ceremony was held welcoming Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Christine Iredale, and Batley and Spen MP and Shadow Minister for Early Years Tracy Brabin, along with students, parents and staff.

Andrew Riley, senior business manager for the schools, said: “PPG’s staff have totally transformed the look of our playgrounds – the children, staff and parents love the final look.

“This is going to make a huge difference, not only to current students but also the future students of the academies.”

PPG has supported the project through its Colourful Communities campaign. Veronica Horsfall, communications manager at PPG, said: “We are thrilled to have had a huge number of our staff volunteering for this project – it was wonderful to see the children’s faces on their return to school.”