PICS BY PAUL

PUPILS and staff at Workington Academy added their names to a piece of history this week by signing the last piece of steel to be added to their new building.

The school, on Stainburn Road, is due to move to the new premises in January.

Lorraine Hughes, executive headteacher, said: "It's really exciting for students and staff.

"I've been involved in the design when we didn't even know where it was going to be.

"The investment has been huge and there's no way the children won't be impressed with it. 

"This signing is really symbolic. This is the last bit of steel that's going up, it represents the last part of this phase and it's important to mark it as we're moving towards our goal of moving in the new school."

One student for each year has signed the piece of steel on Monday.

Jack Earl, who attends the sixth form, said: "I think the building looks promising, it's big and fresh. It's good to get a new building and have a new start for the children who will come here in the future."

Jonathan Logan, headteacher, said: "The new school is going up quickly, it's fantastic.

"It's many years since Workington had this kind of investment in its education and this is positive both for the school and for the community."

Workington Academy opened in September following the merger of Southfield and Stainburn schools.

The former Southfield Technology College building has been demolished.

Mr Logan said that work to demolish Stainburn School is due to start in spring next year.