A FIVE-YEAR project at a Portishead school has concluded with the installation of stained glass panels at its entrance.

St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School celebrated its 100th birthday in 2006 and to commemorate 100 years of Catholic education in Portishead, the governors commissioned the creation of a wooden archway to the school.

Headteacher Lis Jeffrey says it seemed to be waiting to be discovered and turned into a work of art.

To complete the archway, the children designed pictures depicting the values of St Joseph’s school, which were used by local artist Chris Trow, as the basis for three stained glass panels.

Earlier this month the panels were fitted into the archway.

They were blessed by Father Gerry Walsh, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, as brilliant sunshine cast reflections over the ground at the entrance to the school.

Mrs Jeffery said: “The stained glass panels are a lasting reminder of all that St Joseph’s school and parish family value.

“The order of nuns who founded the school in 1906 is commemorated with the initials of the order, La Sainte Union, (LSU) .

“The archway is a unique work of art and I am grateful the governing body had the vision and trust to see the project through.”