EDUCATION Secretary Charles Clarke was in East Lancashire today to mark a local secondary school's elevation to specialist status.
He was attending the official re-opening of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic High School as a Science College.
The Accrington school achieved the coveted status last year and its success, as well as Mr Clarke's visit, has delighted Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, who will also be at the ceremony.
He said: "I am delighted Charles is coming to conduct the official opening .
"The presence of the Education Secretary at the event shows how important it is. I am delighted he found the time in his busy diary to come today.
"Headteacher Katrina Ryan and the governors did a splendid job in raising the money needed in sponsorship to get this accolade and in demonstrating the necessary high academic standards.
"It's a tremendous achievement for her, the staff and the pupils.
"This is just the sort of specialist school Accrington, Hyndburn and East Lancashire needs."
A spokesman for the Department for Education and Skills said Mr Clarke was attending the opening to show how important and significant attaining the Science College status was as part of a visit to the North West.
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