Pewsey Vale SchoolTHE new learning resource centre at Pewsey Vale School has been dedicated to the late deputy head John Acres.

His wife Steph attended the official opening and dedication that was carried out by their daughter Natalia before Thursday evening's prize giving ceremony.

Mr Acres, 55, who died of cancer last summer, taught at the school for more than 20 years.

Before Thursday night's prize giving guests were invited by head teacher Richard Butler to take a look at some recent improvements to the school.

They were shown a new arts and technology area including a resistant materials (woodwork and metalwork) room, textile room and arts room that was formally opened by Wiltshire County Council's director of the department for children and education, Bob Wolfson.

Mr Wolfson said: "I am always pleased to see schools improving the learning environment for youngsters."

The new learning resource centre with its library and own computer and internet suite was the brainchild of Mr Acres, the invited audience was told.

Computer teacher Roger Prost, a long time colleague and friend of Mr Acres, said: "I would like to thank all those who had the vision and the drive to see this through.

"One of those was John Acres, who was always such a resourceful person and a resource in himself."

The resource centre, said Mr Prost, "is just the place to commemorate his contribution to this school."

He said: "It is largely thanks to John's foresight that we have this fantastic centre today. We honour a colleague and friend, teacher and a leader, John Acres," said Mr Prost.

He emphasised that the LRC was not just for the students and staff but for the wider community to use as well."

Cutting a ribbon to declare the LRC open, Natalia Acres said: "I really can't think of a more fitting tribute to my dad."

Speaking to the graduating students Mr Butler said: "I say without reservation that you, by some distance, are the most decent cohort of young people that I have worked with so far."

Special awards: Ben Rabha Salver for languages, Heather Talbott; Addis Memorial sport award for boys, Tom Seward; Addis memorial sport award for girls, Polly Flippance; Rushton Prize for services to sport, John Beaven; Griffin Shield for performing arts, Carla Swatton.