Stone me! A commemorative ceremony marked another step in the rebuilding of York's Park Grove Primary School today.

Councillor Janet Looker lays the new foundation stone at Park Grove School, with pupils Olivia Hanks and Robert McKelvey.

The foundation stone completed another phase of the £2 million council project to rebuild the red-brick Victorian school, in the Groves area of the city, after it was ravaged by a fire in February 1997.

The school's 200 pupils, who have taken up temporary residence in nearby Queen Anne School, are expected to return to their school in September.

Andrew Calverley, head teacher of Park Grove, said the school was already taking on some of its old shape and the laying of the foundation stone was a good sign of progress being made.

"It's very encouraging to see all the roofing going up - it's looking like a real building again. We're looking forward to it being roofed and sealed in time for Christmas," he said.

He said the refurbishment would also provide the school with a hall and gym for pupils and public use.

"The older ones are definitely excited at the prospect of going back - we've kept them very involved from the beginning and they are very aware of what's going on."

Coun Janet Looker, chair of City of York Council Education Committee who laid the foundation stone yesterday, said: "I feel honoured and privileged to be asked to be involved.

"This commemorative stone marks the future of a school which is being rebuilt for the twenty-first century and I am looking forward to seeing children back there."

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