A STALYBRIDGE primary school has celebrated a triumphant milestone with the replacement of its beloved outdoor reading shed.
The December 27 tornado left a wake of destruction across the town, impacting several local communities including Millbrook Primary School.
Pupils were particularly affected when its cherished reading shed, stocked with a collection of books for young readers, was destroyed.
Originally opened in July 2021 by then Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Janet Cooper, it quickly became a centrepiece for literacy activities and outdoor learning.
However, the tornado meant the school suffered an unexpected setback, requiring more than £2,000 to rebuild the structure and replace the lost books.
The school launched a crowdfunding campaign, appealing to the local community and beyond for support.
And the response was overwhelming, with donations pouring in from various organisations and individuals, including the Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club, Emmaus Mossley, Ardwick Masonic Lodge, as well as contributions from Stalybridge North Councillors and dedicated school governors.
The school proudly unveiled the new reading shed at a special ceremony held for pupils and organisations that helped with the funding.
Speaking on behalf of the school, chair of governors Michael Robinson expressed his gratitude.
He said: “The support we received from the community and beyond has been heartwarming.
“This reading shed means so much to our students and its restoration marks a positive step forward in our recovery from the tornado’s impact.”