By Julie Morgan

Last updated 13:58, Friday, 28 March 2008

PRIME Minister Gordon Brown has been invited to open the new community centre at St Gregory’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Community School.

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St Gregory & St Patrick's Community Centre. Children have fun in one of the classes in the new Community Hall.

Pupils wrote to Mr Brown asking him to officially launch the centre, and they have the backing of Copeland MP Jamie Reed. It is hoped the PM will visit the area before the end of the school year in July.

Head teacher Anthony Dwyer said: “The Prime Minister has agreed in principle to open the centre, which will be a very exciting prospect for the school.’’

Based at Esk Avenue, the school has already spent £1 million building new community facilities and is looking to spend a further £1 million on a variety of projects, including extending the playground into a multi-purpose sports surface with directional flood-lighting.

Mr Dwyer said: “If this planning application is successful the school will be able to further develop sports facilities for local children and the community.’’

Around £20,000 has been ear-marked for CCTV cameras which will offer security to the school and its new 50 space car park.

Up to £250,000 will also be used to extend the school’s kitchen to provide meals-on-wheels for the community and a new food shop for parents and nearby residents. In the future, the school is even aiming to set up a bakery.

There are also plans to develop a classroom which can be used after school for secondary school pupils needing a quiet place to study. Cash will also be used to develop thermal heating for the whole school.

Mr Dwyer said: “A company called Chill-out Zone Limited has been set up to run all the community and catering activities that will occur at the school.

“This not-for-profit company will also employ staff and it is the vehicle by which over £1 million of funding is now being secured for our very successful Catholic Community school.”