STAFF at Westleigh High School celebrated the opening of a new £1 million building on Tuesday.

Children and teachers attended a ceremony to mark the futuristic replacement for the school's old Rosla block.

The building has been designed by architect Alan Foster, and contains high-tech classrooms to teach art, French and history.

It has been financed by the Government's "New Deal for Schools" programme and was built by G&J Seddons Ltd.

The new building is called Fox Robin, after the farm which used to be on the school's site.

According to staff at the school, there is a local legend which believes the ghost of the farmer from Fox Robin Fold still haunts the area.

The name was chosen in a ballot of students and parents.

Headteacher John Pout said: "The new building has given everyone a lift. The facilities for the children and staff are first class.

"The Fox Robin building gives all the students the opportunity to learn in the best classrooms in the country."

The old Rosla block was built in 1969 when the school leaving age was raised from 15 to 16. It was used to accommodate the extra students.

Mr Pout added: "The old Rosla block was an eyesore. It's great to get the Government investment to provide Westleigh with an excellent building.

"Westleigh's art results are some of the best in the borough -- these new rooms will enable them to get even better."