Exclusive pictures of celebrations at the official opening of Rainbow Hub School

It all started with parents who said they could not find suitable education for their children and an idea became a dream that has come true as Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire Amanda Parker, former Liverpool footballer and Sky pundit Jamie Carragher and ex-boxer Tony Bellew, officially opened the facility in Mawdesley.

Work started in summer 2023 on the purpose-built school for children with special educational needs due to physical and neurological disabilities – the only one of its kind in Lancashire. Although it was able to open its doors for a small number of children in 2024, it needed Ofsted inspections and approval to offer places for children from four years up to 16 years. Rainbow Hub School has subsequently been judged "outstanding in all areas’” by the watchdog.