LABOUR peer Roy Hattersley opened Lea and Garsdon Primary School's two new classrooms on Saturday.

Governors' chairman Gill Smith said: "We were delighted he agreed to do this. It has always been an excellent school and is a very popular choice with parents, and we are very proud of our new facilities. This new extension has vastly improved facilities we can offer."

The additional space means children in years three and four who were taught in a former cloakroom, now have their own classroom.

As well as the two new classrooms, the entire school has been made wheelchair friendly.

There is now a purpose-built toilet and shower facility, and ramps lead up to all external doors.

It is not just the pupils but also staff who will benefit from the new facilities.

Spacious new offices have been built for the head teacher and school secretary.

The school and the community raised more than £25,000 towards the £150,000 project with events such as a summer dance, sponsored slim and pancake breakfast.

School governor Jo Smyth said: "We started fundraising in February last year and by July we had raised the £25,000.

"The children moved into the classrooms in January this year and it was the culmination of a fantastic project. We are very grateful to all the community who donated their time and money to help us."