Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Taylor Swift

The Fate Of Ophelia

Listen Live

Primary school near Ripon unveils new £10,000 library

Friday, 5 September 2025 10:39

MP Julian Smith cut the ribbon for Grewelthorpe Primary's new library.

Grewelthorpe CE Primary School has officially opened a new £10,000 library, marking the start of the new term.

The new library, featuring a fabulous ‘Treehouse of Tales,’ aims to spark a lifelong love of reading among pupils.

The opening event was attended by families, staff, and members of the local community, who enjoyed tea, cake and a tour of the school.

The £10,000 project was made possible thanks to fundraising by Friends of Grewelthorpe School (FROGS), the school’s parent-teacher association.

The ribbon-cutting was carried out by Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith.

He said:

“It is fantastic to be here at Grewelthorpe Primary to celebrate the opening of their new library.

"This welcoming and creative space is a place where children can discover the joy of reading which is one of the most important investments we can make in their future.

"Congratulations to everyone involved in making this project possible.”

Award-winning children’s author Hannah Russell, based in nearby Masham, also attended for a story-telling session with tales from her popular books.

Headteacher Katie Barker said:

“We are a small CofE school with a big heart. Our aim is to bring out the very best in every child, and to create a warm, welcoming environment where all pupils feel valued and inspired.

"From our fabulous nursery and early years provision right through to Year 6, we pride ourselves on offering a nurturing and enriching experience for every learner.

"The new reading space is already a huge hit with our students, and we hope it will encourage a lifelong love of books and storytelling.”

The launch follows a period of academic success for the school, which recently received a “Good” rating from both Ofsted and SIAMS, alongside strong KS2 results.

Listen to Your Harrogate's Pete Egerton speaking to MP for Ripon and Skipton, Sir Julian Smith, author Hannah Russell and a former Grewelthorpe Primary pupil, Gwen!

More from Local News

Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue

Knaresborough's first dedicated town centre padel venue will officially open on Friday with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor taking to the court.
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub

A new award recognising Yorkshire's best pub has been introduced as part of the 2026 Deliciously Yorkshire Taste Awards.
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim

Plans for a motorway service area (MSA) off the A1(M) in North Yorkshire have been approved despite a claim the scheme amounts to the "rape of the countryside".
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton will begin using part of the new A59 Kex Gill route from tomorrow (Wednesday)
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target

This year's Tour de Aky is on course to raise £10,000 for charity after another successful series of fundraising events.
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award

Two Harrogate-based Transdev colleagues have been shortlisted for national honours at this year's RouteOne Awards.
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes

Burnsall visitors are being urged to plan ahead after the closure of a major parking field left parking in the village extremely limited.
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award

Spire Harrogate Clinic has been recognised for its high standards of cleanliness after achieving its first Gold CAP Award.
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses

A series of new daytime music courses is launching in Otley later this month, giving adults the chance to sing, play and meet new people.
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun

Families across the Harrogate district are being encouraged to make the most of a new guide to free and low-cost activities during the seven-week summer holidays.
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner

Harrogate International Festivals has announced a new partnership with Slingsby Gin.
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President

The Princess Royal will become President of the Great Yorkshire Show next year in a landmark moment for the event.
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision

Cuts to a 24/7 emergency helpline for elderly North Yorkshire residents have been pushed through without consulting users of the service, say critics.
Animal charity launches £2 million redevelopment appeal

An animal charity that supports vulnerable pets from Harrogate has launched a major public appeal to help fund a £2 million redevelopment of its facilities.
Sneak peek: New Otley play area starts to take shape

A brand new indoor and outdoor play attraction is beginning to take shape ahead of its opening in Otley.
Historic Harrogate pub named among the UK's best by The Telegraph

One of Harrogate's most historic pubs has been recognised as one of the best places in the UK to enjoy a pint.
Police appeal to find wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for help to trace a wanted man from Harrogate.
Harrogate MP calls on new Prime Minister to overhaul 'broken' water industry

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon is calling on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to make reform of the water industry one of his first priorities in office.
Harrogate nursery children get messy for International Mud Day

Children at Partou nurseries across the country, including Woodlands Harrogate Day Nursery and Pre-school, have marked International Mud Day by rolling up their sleeves for a marathon session of messy, hands-on fun.
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show to celebrate 50th anniversary

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show will celebrate its 50th anniversary next month with a special programme of horticultural displays, competitions and family activities.