YOUNGSTERS and staff at a school for children with autism are enjoying its new home in Greenfield a month into the new term after a three-year journey to move it there.

Bright Futures School on Friezland Lane officially opened in September following a lengthy delay due to the pandemic.

Back in June 2018, the school was located in a domestic property in Grasscroft when the owners put the property on the market.

The school said it recognised this was a "major threat to its future" and sent out a press release asking people to get in touch if they knew any suitable properties in the area it could re-locate to.

It was at this point businessman Daniel Scott, from cleaning company Robert Scott at Oakview Mills in Manchester Road, got in touch and offered to build a new school on a plot of derelict land opposite their mill.

Head of development and proprietor of the school, Zoe Thompson, said: "We couldn’t believe it.

"What a magnificent gesture.

"Of course, we said 'yes please' and in February 2020, we moved in to a beautiful, purpose-built building.

"We feel so lucky and are eternally grateful to the directors at Robert Scott."

The school’s Parent Teacher Association, Friends of Bright Futures School, then raised more than £50,000.

The money was used to pay for a sensory room, a playground area with a climbing frame for the younger children, a willow dome for the older pupils, and several pieces of outdoor gym equipment.

Head of learning, Alison Hughes, said: "We have a lot to celebrate and a lot of people to thank, which is the focus of our official opening.

"We are really looking forward to being able to express our gratitude to all the companies and individuals who supported us."

The pupils have been delighted with the facilities available at their new school.