Children at the new £8.5million shared campus of two Paisley schools were in fine voice for its official opening this week.

St Paul’s Primary School and Foxlea Early Learning and Childcare Centre both showed off their musical talents as the facility was officially opened by Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron.

Pupils from St Paul’s Primary School sang ‘A New Day’ accompanied by drums at the service to celebrate the new facility.

The school choir and soloist Nsikak Matthew sang The Lord's My Shepherd.

Primary Seven pupil Evan McDonald also wrote a special poem, while nursery children from Foxlea Early Learning Centre also performed.

The new facility, which opened to staff and children in August, was designed by Renfrewshire Council's Property Services team following two years of engagement with the school communities.

The Gazette:

Head teacher of St Paul's, Louise Maher said: “We are delighted to be in our brand new facility which is light and airy.

“It has been immensely rewarding for our children and staff to be involved in elements of the design, including the colour schemes and also in some of the fabulous new play equipment.

“They are also benefiting from the access to the outdoor learning areas and from our new classrooms which are truly designed for the 21st century and support modern teaching aids.”

The Gazette:

Diane Latter, the head of centre for Foxlea, said: “The centre gives the children many great opportunities to develop new skills and learn in a bright, spacious environment that has been designed for young children.

“They have direct access to a wonderful outdoor play area where they can explore, learn about sustainability, science, literacy, numeracy and improve their health and wellbeing.

“It is a pleasure to work in a modern, well equipped centre and there have been many positive comments from parents and staff, as well as the children themselves.”

St Paul's has space for 212 pupils, while the Anchor Base has space for a further 24 children and provides specialised support across three class bases.

The Early Learning and Childcare Centre has capacity for 96 pre-five children, while the adult learning and literacy centre can house up to 10 students.

Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron performed the official opening in front of parents, pupils and staff, local councillors, church representatives, and Bishop of Paisley, John Keenan.

Provost Cameron said: “I’m delighted to have shared the excitement of the opening ceremony with the children, pupils and staff and I’m sure it will be a place where children will thrive.”

Education and Children’s Services Convener, Councillor Jim Paterson, said: “We are committed to providing the best possible learning environments for our children and young people and it’s especially pleasing to see this wonderful facility as we celebrate 100 years of Catholic education in Scotland this year.

“This is an outstanding modern facility, and I wish children and staff every success going forward in their new campus.”