A TIMPERLEY will be throwing open the doors of its new building next weekend - and a local celebrity will help get celebrations off to a 'flying' start.

Willows Primary School, on Victoria Road, will unveil the new building and outdoor learning spaces at an official opening on Saturday October 10 from 2-4.30pm.

There will be a special appearance from 'Baby the Parrot', from Timperley Aquatics, who will be doing the honours of 'cutting the ribbon'.

The eight-year-old green winged macaw, whose actual name is ‘Charlie’, is a well known feature at the shop and is known as ‘Baby’ for its habit of saying ‘hello baby’ to greet customers.

Baby grabbed headlines last month after being stolen in a night-time burglary at the Stockport Road shop. The beloved parrot was reunited with pet shop owner Graham Ralston three weeks later.

Attendees at the Willows Primary School opening event will have a chance to meet Baby, alongside some of her friends from Timperley Aquatics.

Headteacher Kirsten Warren said everyone at the school is ‘delighted’ with the new facilities.

She added: “The extension has added so much to our lovely school. We are especially pleased with our new logo, which has been designed by one of the children and incorporated into wonderful new signage.

“Anticipation is rising for our celebrations on October 10 when we will be officially opening the new building and unveiling the new logo.

“Friends and neighbours of the school are most welcome to attend.”

There will be a host of activities and attractions on the day, including tours of the new building, bulb planting, face painting, 'Name the house bear' competition and afternoon tea.

The school's Mr Byrne and Mr Codd will also be going head to head in an auction at 4pm. The two teachers will battle it out to secure the best price for the vintage 'willow' school gates that once stood at the infant entrance and the main entrance.

"Many parents liked taking photos of their children in front of the gates on their first day and lots of people have showed interest in them," added Kirsten. "The auction will help raise money for the school."

The day will conclude with a new willow tree planting and a time capsule burial.