Clark Contracts has completed a £3.8 million refurbishment of one of Inverclyde's oldest primary schools.

Lady Alice in Greenock has officially been reopened following the year-long project.

The interior of the building was completely reworked and modernised, while the original 1937 exterior was retained. A new reception area was also added.

A lift has been installed alongside the latest classroom teaching technology while the school also boasts a hi-tech audio and lighting system in the assembly hall.

Education & Communities Vice Convener Councillor Natasha Murphy – a former pupil - performed the official opening. She said: "Lady Alice has been at the centre of this community for many years and it is such an honour for me to open the school.

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"This is where I and my three brothers learned to read and write and a place which for so many people holds memories and moments that have defined their lives.

"The primary school years are not just about academic learning, they are where children learn how to socialise, share and realise who they really are.

"Here at Lady Alice staff do an immense job making sure each child is treated fairly, looked after and educated according to the school's values of wisdom, justice, compassion and integrity."

Head teacher Gail Connick added: "It is a privilege and an honour to be part of such a wonderful school.

"The building has been expertly refurbished but it is the community which makes up Lady Alice.

"We have worked together to make a great success of our time at the former St Stephen's High building where we overcame the challenge of distance to ensure that we retained our community spirit.

"We are absolutely delighted to be back together, where we belong, under one roof in a building which meets the needs of our learners, our families and our staff and we are hugely grateful for the excellent accommodation we have been provided with."

Lady Alice is the latest school to undergo a complete refurbishment as part of Inverclyde Council's £270 million investment in its school estate.

(CM)