A FIRE-HIT special needs school is having a £1.2million upgrade.

The Evening Times told in 2012 how pupils at Hollybrook Academy were pleading with education bosses for repairs to their school.

Then, last year, the Govanhill secondary school was torched by vandals.

Now Glasgow City Council has committed to overhauling the building -and pupils are delighted.

Mum Anne Marie Millar led the original campaign.

She said: "The young people are delighted to see the work taking place and are really enjoying having better surroundings. The sad thing is that the additional learning support buildings seem to have been ignored but the pupils are delighted now with the improvements."

Inside, the halls have been decorated, new floor cover-ings are in place and rooms have had improvements.

Classrooms, communal areas, offices, the main dining/assembly hall and gym hall have all been spruced up.

The playground has been resurfaced, the roof covered in a protective plastic coating, new roof lights have been installed and drainage work undertaken. External walls have been repaired and a new fire alarm fitted.

Local councillor Soryia Siddique also campaigned for change.

She said: "Hollybrook Academy parent council and pupils contacted me in 2012 regarding painting the school. On visiting the school it was apparent the building required internal and external refurbishment.

"The refurbishment needs were raised with the execu-tive member for education and young people and the director of education. I am delighted the refurbishment needs were approved.

"This is a welcomed investment in Hollybrook Academy. Pupils and staff will benefit from an improved teaching and learning environment."

Pupils campaigning for improvements to their school took their fight to Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who backed them.

The building had not been painted since 1971.

Councillor Stephen Curran, executive member for education and young people said: "I'm delighted that the school has benefited from this marvellous refurbishment. Staff and pupils have worked hard alongside council officers to make this possible."

Work is expected to be completed by January.

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk