STATE-OF-THE-ART performing arts facilities have opened at Clarendon School in Trowbridge.

The new centre includes music and practice rooms, a performance area, a sprung dance floor and drama studios that can be opened up to provide a theatre complete with rake seating and professional lighting.

The complex, which opened on Wednesday, also has two new science laboratories and a family learning centre.

The centre, which has a library and computers, will be available to parents after school to allow them to brush up on their skills and work with their children.

Performing arts teacher Lesley Houston said: "We now have absolutely fantastic facilities, particularly for performing arts."

The school is now planning a full-scale musical at the end of the school year in July, and will be able to stage it at the school rather than having to use The Arc theatre in Trowbridge.

The new centre was officially opened at a VIP evening on Wednesday by the vice chancellor of Bath University.

Other dignitaries included Wiltshire County Council's chief education officer Bob Wolfson and Trowbridge deputy mayor Jeff Osborn.

Students took the guests on guided tours of the new facilities and music was provided by a massed choir and soloists.