VOLUNTEERS have been working hard to get a Portland primary school ship-shape before its reopening after the half-term holiday.

The community is rallying around to paint, decorate and improve Grove Infant School, which was forced to close last month when unsafe levels of radioactive gas were discovered in the building.

Headteacher Jane Hurdiss said: “We’ve had a really good response.

“Seven people volunteered after reading the article in the Dorset Echo and our parents have also spread the word.

“Richard Drax came in, rolled his sleeves up and got stuck in without any fanfare, I was very impressed.

“We’ve had prisoners from the Young Offender Institution helping us, Underhill Methodist Church has donated tower scaffolding, Travis Perkins donated paint and brushes and Court Leet, which looks after the Crown Estate donated £300 which paid for varnish and wood.

“There’s been a really good cross section of people and seven people from Southern Electric are coming today to do community work.”

She added: “We’re taking the opportunity to turn something negative into something positive.”

Extractor fans have been put in place to disperse the radon gas, which was discovered by Dorset County Council investigators, and monitors have been put in place to ensure the school’s safety.

Grove staff, governors, parents and members of the public are revamping the school ready for its 70 pupils to return from their temporary relocation to St George’s Primary School.

School governor Iris Dixson, of the Grove, volunteered on her 69th birthday to serve soup, bread, teas and coffees to the other helpers.

She said: “This is the most super school in Dorset, take it from me.

“I’m not good at climbing heights or painting so I just do what I can.”

Weymouth painter John Wardle, 72, volunteered after reading about the school’s plight in the Echo.

He said: “You’ve got to give something back to the community.”

Friends Simon Grantham, 34, and Henry Sibley, 21, took the bus from Dor chester to help out.

Henry, who works as a support worker for autistic people, said: “I’ve got the week off and thought I’d start it with a bit of volunteer work.

“I like volunteering. There’s a nicer atmosphere, no one’s cracking the whip.”

Karen Griffiths, who is county council extended services co-ordinator for the Portland schools pyramid, also helped to paint.

She said: “It’s really nice to hear how many people have volunteered and stepped up to the mark.

“The community is helping to get the school ready.”

The schedule is to move everything back into the school on Friday, ready to reopen on November 1.

There is still lots to do – anyone who can help is asked to call 01305 820563.