TEACHERS, parents and pupils pulled on their overalls to take on a 72-hour makeover at the Deanes School.

The workforce, including former pupils, banded together at the Thundersley school to repaint its sports centre and fitness suite in time for the new school year.

The school decided to undertake the work to say thank you to the community for its support throughout the last year, which saw it successfully fight closure plans by Essex County Council.

Desi McKeown, assistant headteacher, said: “We thought it would be nice to give a little bit back by improving those facilities the community uses.

“It’s been lovely and really nice working with parents and we kicked off the threeday challenge with a big lunch together.

“We have been spending the time exchanging stories about the school, too.”

It is just one bit of work which is happening at the Deanes over the summer.

Over the holidays, workmen will move into the school to revamp its reception area ready for September.

Mr McKeown said: “It’s really exciting.

“We are at that awkward stage at the moment where you look around and think there is so much still to do.

“But we’ll get there.”

The school has been given £2.5million for the work by Essex County Council.

They will build a new reception area, a student services area for a pastoral support office, and an attendance office.

The main block will also be remodelled with newwindows and a new roof. The building will be rewired.

The teachers, parents and pupils will reward themselves at the end of the three-day effort with a celebration lunch of sandwiches, cakes and treats.