IT was a dream that some thought would never come true but the new John Hanson Community School has marked its completion with a formal opening ceremony.

The school relocated from its split site at Croye Close and The Drove to the £14.5 million, purpose-built facility in September 2002.

A year later, those involved in the £14.5 million project were given the chance to formally mark its completion with a special unveiling.

Guests were given a tour of the school's impressive facilities and saw pupils performing many activities such as PE, performing arts, music, art, science and technology, ICT, languages and homework and after school activities in the library.

Pupils have access to a wide range of modern amenities, including an air conditioned ICT suite, digital recording studio, hall with retractable seating, theatre lighting and sound system and a floodlit all weather pitch built to International Hockey Fede-ration standards.

Many of the resources are available for community use outside of school hours.

Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Ken Thornber unveiled a commemorative plaque and was joined by Cllr Don Allen, the executive member for education and Cllr David Kirk, executive member for community development and regeneration. Cllr Allen said: "Hampshire County Council has always attached great importance to maintenance of schools and when building new schools or extensions to ensure these developments are of the highest possible standard.

"Students at the new John Hanson School enjoy a very high quality learning environment and seem very proud of their school. The buildings were carefully designed to not only be well-equipped but also to be attractive and welcoming." Chairman of governors Grace Morgan, who was involved with the project from the outset, thanked everyone involved in making the dream a reality and said it has been 'a long time coming'.

Headteacher Steve Evatt added it had been 'a once in a lifetime opportunity' and all the staff felt 'a sense of privilege' to have been involved in the relocation.

"This special event is an opportunity to show what an exciting project this has been," he said. "The end result has certainly been worth waiting for and the student facilities here are quite breathtaking.

"This ceremony also gives me the chance to thank the staff, governors and county council staff who had the tenacity to ensure that the scheme gained such unstoppable momentum."

Unveiling the plaque, Cllr Thornber wished the school every success in the future.