500 pack George Green’s fayre after Isle of Dogs school’s makeover

Wellwishers packed George Green’s school community fayre in London’s East End after its new ‘makeover’ with organisations across the Isle of Dogs taking part.

Some 500 people turned up to sing and dance with cockney Pearlie Kings and Queens.

Food stalls and activities attracted the crowds, while dads from local primary schools set a sporty example with a football match.

The annual family day brings together parents, pupils and community organisations every September, which has become a major gathering in the community.

All the local primary schools take part, along with Millwall fire-station, local Scouts, police cadets, Mudchute Farm, Neighbours in Poplar charity, Friends of Island History Trust, the DLR, NHS and East End Homes housing, while Canary Wharf Group and Asda superstore donated to the Prize Draw.

The school has also benefitted from developers who paid for a total makeover to the entrance to create “a better experience” for pupils and community.

Principal Jill Baker accepted a £70,000 cheque last term from the Ballymore Group to upgrade the reception area to a state-of-the-art entrance at the Manchester Road campus.

The outdated entrance was used by 1,150 pupils every day during term-time, but was also a community hub open until 10pm Monday to Saturday and school holidays.

It couldn’t cope with the “heavy traffic of people” who needed better access.

The cheque was presented last term by Ballymore’s chairman Sean Mulryan, who arrived with his management team including a George Green’s ex-pupil, Jodie Bender, who has worked at the company since 2007.