A NEW state-of-the-art dining hall has been opened at a South Lakeland school as part of a half million pound regeneration project.

The Lakes School’s new lunch hall has been designed by a team of 11 Troutbeck Bridge students who worked in partnership with award-winning London-based architects SHH Ltd.

The pupils, aged between 13 and 15, decided on everything from colour schemes to the shapes of chairs.

Menus have also been revamped to offer a wider range of popular, healthy food items and there is also a deli bar.

The hall was officially opened by Miriam Stainton, the school’s catering manager, who has worked in the kitchens since 1987.

Head teacher Dr David Selby said: “This is an excellent new facility for the school and brings to life our plans to continually invest in, and upgrade, our resources to give our school the best facilities we possibly can.

“I am very proud of the new facilities and of the work that both students and staff have carried out to turn the vision into a reality.”