A THURROCK School has undergone a major facelift, costing nearly a quarter of a million pounds.

Now St Mary's Primary School, Tilbury, is celebrating its facelift.

The renovations which have lasted over 12 weeks started with the school entrance. New railings and gates have been fitted emblazoned with the schools name across them.

Next to undergo a make over was the main office, the Head Teacher's office and the Deputy Head Teacher's office. The staff room has also been given a new lease of life.

The school were especially pleased, however, to be able to incorporate a new music room in with the works.

Chair of Governors Mr Terry Gilbey said: "We have an exceptionally good choir and to have a room dedicated just to music is something which we have wanted for a long time. The choir will now be able to practice uninterrupted."

Mr Gilbey who has been a Governor at the school for 16 years told how the school had been preparing for the revamp for some time: "We have been very frugal over the years with our spending, we have kept a bit back to put into the kitty with this in mind.

"Although obviously a large part has been funded through grants"

He added: "I am over the moon with it It really does look quite spectacular."

The new and updated look of the school comes after the recent offstead report which branded St Mary's status as 'good and much improved'.

The school is already planning the next phase of improvements. Plans have been put in place for a covered walk way between the nursery and the primary school. This has had to be put on hold though until the school can gather enough money to fund it.