£1.25m school wing opened

Children sang and played music to welcome governors past and present, Town Mayor Stuart Earl, and County Councillor Rupert Simmons, among others.

The new one and a quarter million pound wing, was officially opened by the school's oldest living former student, Vi Lyle, 92, and the youngest pupil, Alex Simpson, who is just four. Vi had earlier told the Observer of her memories of the Little Common schools previous incarnation, St Mark's.

She recalled marching into school after morning exercises, not having to wear school uniform and getting to go home for lunch.

Vi revealed she never enjoyed going to school but expects things are very different now.

She said: "It was a lovely old village. It still is but things, including the school, are very different now."

Head teacher, David Pratt, was given an unusual surprise, when it was announced the new building would be named after him as a thank you for his 20 years service.

He said: "It's a chance to celebrate our new building and to celebrate our good fortune in having it given to us."