THE Leigh community has rallied to give a school a much needed makeover.

When St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School's new head teacher Michelle Daley asked for help with a bit of painting, little did she know that an army of volunteers would step in to refurbish the entire building.

Following budget cuts, the school on Mather Lane in Leigh could not afford to spend money on painters and decorators.

Miss Daley only asked for a few hours' help with painting the entrance and corridors.

But thanks to the generosity of parents, governors, parishioners, councillors and businesses, an entire DIY makeover has been carried out, the building's first refurbishment for 11 years.

Volunteers gave up days of their summer holidays to help out and businesses even donated new sinks, worktops, cupboards, drawers and tiles, as well as a long list of building supplies and material.

Miss Daley said: "What a brilliant community Leigh has, where there is a real sense of pulling together, with everyone giving a little of their time or money or resources for our children.

"It most definitely feels and smells like a new school.

"All the staff came back from the summer holidays and commented on how it feels like the start of St Joseph’s next chapter."

Among those to help with the school's summer makeover were parent-teacher association The Friends of St Joseph’s, Cllr Kevin Anderson and Howdens Joinery in Leigh, which donated two new sinks, a worktop, cupboards and drawers for the infant corridor.

Miss Daley added: "The school was in need of a lick of paint.

"Asking only for an hour or two of people’s time, to paint the school entrance and corridors, any response would have been a success.

"However the reaction was such that companies were donating resources and parents were coming in for days not hours.

"As a result all corridors and classrooms have been painted, the doors have been glossed – along with skirting boards and windowsills – and sinks have been replaced.

"I would like to say a genuine heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for their love and support. It is very much appreciated more than words could ever convey."

For more information about Howdens visit howdens.com.