Last updated 15:44, Wednesday, 19 November 2008

WEST Lakes Academy was officially opened last week. Around 200 students, parents and members of the community gathered at the event last Friday – and they were also given the chance to contribute towards the design of the new £25million site for it.

As well as having their work displayed, students also got the chance to work with a professional chef.

Ricky Andalcio, proprietor of Whitehaven’s Zest restaurant, worked with students on a cookery demonstration as they provided food and refreshments for the evening.

The evening finished with a fireworks display.

Key stakeholders including Copeland MP Jamie Reed, principal Barrie Cooper and now associate head of the academy and chair of governors Mick Farley all spoke at the event.

The academy is currently based at the former Wyndham School site at Egremont while a new £25million building is constructed.

It is due to be completed in 2011.