A VICTORIAN school has had a 21st Century facelift.

Lethbridge Primary School’s 1890 windows, which did not open, have been swapped for new PVC models.

The school’s red stone brickwork has also been cleaned, as part of a £100,000 revamp.

Head teacher Ray Norman said: “We took out the original sash windows and this now means we have windows, which work.

“They really did look awful and we took the decision to replace them. We hope it will improve the insulation of the building. There are all sorts of benefits.

“This is a substantial building within Old Town and we are pleased to maintain it and keep it going for the next 100 years.

“We are very thrilled, as the whole building has been uplifted. We are also very pleased with the builder’s work.

“We had a great relationship with them during the building work.”

As the building is older, Mr Norman says a lot of maintenance is needed to keep it up to standard. The school’s next project is to rewire the building, which could cost the same again.

The new windows had to carefully imitate the look of the old sash ones in keeping with the old building’s character.

Ten-year-old pupil Emily, of Old Town, said: “They look nice and we can see out of them more easily.”

Spooner Brothers Limited fitted the new windows. “It was a huge project, as health and safety was a major aspect,” said co-director Paul Spooner.

“It was great to work with the school, as the kids were great and were very excited to have new windows fitted. It has given the building a new lease of life and will be here longer than we are.”

The school used a Government capital grant to fund the overhaul, which also included new guttering.

“This school now sets a standard for all the old buildings in Old Town,” said the company’s other director Phil Spooner.

Lethbridge Primary School has 487 pupils.