STAFF and students at Alcester Grammar School staged a show of celebration recently to launch the school's specialist status in performing arts.

Parents, friends and governors were invited to the one-off performance, which highlighted the musical and dramatic talents already in the school.

The investment of more than £500,000 to improve teaching and performing facilities will build on those talents and provide a community venue for workshops and performances.

The school learned earlier this year its first bid for performing arts status had been successful after two years' planning for the application.

Arts director Jane Whitehouse said: "After so much hard work, we're excited by the prospect of starting to bring our plans for the next four years to fruition."

Headteacher Iain Blaikie said the school's ethos would remain the same but extra money would enable it to improve facilities and resources.

He added: "It will also benefit the community because we'll be offering support to other groups and partnership schools and a range of music, dance and drama activities will be on offer for all ages. There are exciting times ahead of us."

The school is also improving its sporting facilities with the addition of a purpose-built sports hall. This has been partly funded by a £200,000 grant from Stratford District Council.