THE first brick has been laid for a £3million expansion to one of Scotland's top special needs schools.

Radio Clyde 1’s Breakfast Show hosts George Bowie & Cassi joined Hamilton FC player Greg Docherty in a ceremony to mark the next stage in a build of new classrooms and residential accommodation.

As previously told by the Evening Times, the extension will help support children with autism at the Maryhill school.

George was given a special helping hand from pupil Liam Cowan.

The 16-year-old said: "It was the best surprise ever to be asked to lay the first brick of the building.

"It was amazing to meet George Bowie and tell him I am his biggest fan. I was really happy that Cassi remembered me from the last time I met her and gave me a big hug hello.

"I’m looking forward to seeing Greg play for Hamilton FC against Aberdeen soon.”

George added: “Liam’s my mate. We met him at the Glasgow Taxi Outing to Troon and we said we’d love to come and help lay the first brick of the new building.”

East Park gives education, residential and respire care to children with severe learning difficulties.

Recently the Big Lottery Fund announced it would give the school £500,000 towards the £3m built - but £50,000 still needs to be raised.

The new centre will be state-of-the-art and purpose built to ensure specialist help is available to pupils from across Scotland.

And it is hoped the facilities will be open next August.

Cassi Gillespie, travel reporter with the radio station, said: “I loved being part of the ceremony.

"East Park is fantastic and the new classrooms and residential accommodation are going to be a great addition to the amazing facilities they have.”

Footballer Greg added: “It was great to meet pupils and be part of this exciting time for East Park."

First opened in 1874, the school is accredited by the National Autistic Society, is a SQA Approved Centre and has received glowing inspections from the Care Inspectorate and Education Scotland.

The turf was first cut on the new site in June but yesterday's event marked the latest step in the build.

The development will include four single classrooms for children who need one-to-one teaching, a respite centre, accommodation for four young people and an outdoor classroom.

There are still more bricks to be laid and East Park needs the community to help raise the last £50,000 to complete the development so they can welcome more children in August 2016.

To help the fundraising drive, text BRICK to 70500 to donate £5 or visit eastpark.org.uk/donate to donate online.