RUGBY league legend Kevin Sinfield joined pupils, teachers, and guests for the official opening of the new Saddleworth School.

The ex-England rugby league international and Leeds Rhino captain is a former head boy at the school and was invited back to celebrate the official opening on Wednesday, May 4.

Headteacher Mike Anderson said: “Our new school opened in March and pupils have settled in brilliantly – it’s a fantastic place to learn.

“We wanted to do something to celebrate this new chapter in Saddleworth School’s history and are delighted to welcome Kevin to do the honours.

“He’s a former pupil, a fantastic role model and local legend and we’re proud to show him our amazing new school.”

Sinfield, who is now defence coach at rugby union club Leicester, is also known for his fundraising and was awarded an OBE last year after raising millions for the MND Association in aid of his former teammate Rob Burrow, who was diagnosed with motor neurone disease and given around two years to live in December 2019.

Last November, Sinfield took part in the Extra Mile Challenge which saw him run 101 miles from the Tigers' Welford Road ground to Leed Rhinos' Headlingly, where he captained the club, in 24 hours.

The challenge raised more than £2m for the MND Association and the Leeds Hospitals Charity appeal.

It followed a challenge in December 2020 which saw Sinfield run seven marathons in seven days and raise £2.7m for the charity.

Millie Hampson and Joe George, this year’s head boy and girl, said: “It was brilliant to meet Kevin and show him around our new school.

“It’s so much better than our old school and has made a massive difference to our school lives.”

The official opening ceremony began with entertainment from the school band before guests, including the construction team, governors, councillors and the deputy lieutenants of Greater Manchester Muzahid Khan and Karan Lee, were taken on a tour of the new site in Diggle.

The school features 80 modern classrooms, including specialist teaching rooms for Science, Food Technology, ICT and Design Technology.

There are also sports facilities at the site with a sports hall, fitness suite and activity studios inside and an all-weather pitch outside.

An official commemorative plaque was then unveiled, and a sapling was planted for the Queen’s Green Canopy as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Emma Barton, executive director for Place and Economic Growth at Oldham Council, said: “We’re so happy for the young people of Saddleworth who fully deserve their outstanding new school.

“We look forward to Saddleworth School celebrating many more milestones and wish everyone the best of luck for the future.”