The Bishop of Ramsbury with headteacher Amanda Macey and pupils at the official opening of Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Primary School's new facilities. 27/1/5ONE of Chilmark's oldest residents revisited her childhood when she helped open a new building at the village school.

Eva Trigwell (84) was a pupil at Chilmark and Fonthill Bishop Primary School in the early 1920s - and her daughter and grandchildren also attended the school .

Last Wednesday, Mrs Trigwell joined the Bishop of Ramsbury, the Right Reverend Peter Hullah, headteacher Amanda Macey and pupils George Symons (four) and Matthew Wilkins (11) for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the official opening of the Church of England-aided school's new building.

The school was built in 1860 and the building has been crafted from Chilmark stone, to blend with the original Victorian part of the school and the traditional style of many houses in the village.

The building's interior is spacious, bright and modern, signifying a fresh start, as the school has changed from a first school to a primary school.

Facilities include a hall for PE and worship, an indoor PE store, a kitchen, a junior classroom, an infant classroom, a staff room, a reception with office, a new entrance hall, the headteacher's office and a toilet with disabled access.

Mrs Macey said: "We are very proud of our new building and are grateful to the diocese for their part in providing us with this accommodation. These facilities will be a great asset to the children.

"However, a school is more than just a building. This school is a happy place where the aim is to be an effective school at the heart of the community.

"It is a school where we aim to provide high-quality education, and the needs of the children are always the primary concern. I should like to thank the diocese, Wiltshire county council, the local community, the governors, the parents - and, in particular, the staff for their support."

The Bishop of Ramsbury said: "This new hall will help the school and village work closely together."

He said being asked to bless the building was a privilege.

After the ceremony, the children released balloons to mark the occasion and to spread the word of the opening far and wide.

There will be a prize for the child whose balloon travels furthest.