A NEW sign has been unveiled at The Denes High School, marking the end of a long journey for one year nine student.Liam Donnelly and his international studies class-mates were set a challenge to work out how the school could make foreign visitors to the Lowestoft school feel more welcome.

A NEW sign has been unveiled at The Denes High School, marking the end of a long journey for one year nine student.

Liam Donnelly and his international studies class-mates were set a challenge to work out how the school could make foreign visitors to the Lowestoft school feel more welcome.

Julie Smith, head of foreign languages, felt that, with the school's continuous work with the Briar School of Languages and the increase in non-English-speaking students attending the school, there needed to be a greater appreciation and consideration of foreign visitors' needs.

Starting with a brainstorming session, the pupils felt that putting up signs around the school would be a quick and effective solution.

The challenge turned quickly into a competition, attracting the interest of school operations and site manager Justin

Smith.

And within a couple of hours students had designed a template of their signs and presented them to Mr Smith in the hope of persuading him to adopt their sign.

The school also made contact with Signs Express, which agreed to make Liam's “Welcome” sign and and give it to the school.

Richard Booth, manager of Signs Express, said: “I can honestly say that Liam's design was equal to anything a signage professional would have come up with, from the layout to the colours used.

“It's always a pleasure working with the local schools, but this was special.”