BRIGHT sparks have been given a state-of-the-art space at school to brush up their skills, reports Rachel Kitchen.

Named after the late Brigadier Teddy Tryon-Wilson of Dallam Estate, the Tryon-Wilson building at Dallam School, Milnthorpe, includes four fully-equipped science labs, two art rooms, a food room and a textiles room.

At the official opening, his widow Rosemary Tryon-Wilson unveiled a portrait of the Brigadier painted by Kendal artist Catherine McDiarmid.

Head teacher Steven Holdup said he was delighted with the facility, which is the first part of a two-phase development.

"We have created a modern 11 to 18 school of which the people of South Lakes can be proud. Before, we were struggling in facilities of the old Milnthorpe School. The pupils are making the most of it. Science is a very strong subject at Dallam and these are first-rate lab facilities.

"This also represents a tremendous investment in the creative element of the school. It won't just benefit the children, there are 3,000 community learners who will also benefit from these improvements."

The new building was fitted with equipment paid for from national arts, science and education charity the Wolfson Foundation.

The next phase, costing more than £1.2 million of Cumbria County Council funds, will double the number of science labs and provide a music, dance and drama performance area.

He said there were further plans in the pipeline to develop the Heversham site for community and educational use.

Sir Crispin Tickell, friend of the school, and chair of Governors and leading environmentalist Brian Walker declared the building officially open. Mr Tickell's appointments have included permanent secretary to the Overseas Development Agency and UK permanent Representative to the United Nations.

May 29, 2003 15:30