Business donates new library for North Yorkshire primary school

School pupils have been putting their new library to the test, with the headteacher describing the facility as a "dream come true".

The library, at Burneston CE Primary School, near Bedale, has been created in a storage unit originally donated by local business MES, owned by Derrick Potter and Andrew Frost, towards the end of last year.

When the school saw the size of the 13.5m long and 10ft tall unit, their aspirations went from storage to something far more ambitious, a new library.

Spearheaded by Derrick Potter, chairman of property firm Potter Space, which specialises in industrial and logistics space and has a site in Ripon, a team from the company worked on the creation of the library, securing permission from the church diocese, and planning consent from North Yorkshire Council.

The work included removing and disposing of old shed space that had previously housed children’s playground equipment, preparing new foundations with recycled stone, installing new underground drainage linked to the existing rainwater system and building wheelchair accessible entrances.

The interior was completely refurbished, with all wiring, electrics, light fittings and heaters renewed. New carpeting was installed along with insulated panels to improve energy efficiency.

The project also won the backing of other businesses in the area, with the library books provided by Nony Boxer, managing director of 66 Books Ltd, a customer at Potter Space’s Ely Park.

Suzy Smart, Burneston primary headteacher, said: “We’re absolutely overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown by Derrick and the Potter Space team. Education is the foundation of success and ensuring adequate access to reading materials for children is of the utmost importance. Expanding on our existing materials and space has been a dream come true.”

Mr Potter added: “The teachers at Burneston CE Primary School provide a crucial education service to the local community and Potter Space is passionate about supporting the communities where we operate. This project has been incredibly rewarding and, as their teachers let the children to be involved in the creation of their new library, it will be great to see them enjoying their new facilities.”