PUPILS at Vernham Dean Gillum's Primary School are enjoying fantastic new surroundings following the school's £600,000 extension.

For almost a year the school worked out of a temporary unit on site while building work was taking place.

The original school was built in Victorian times and for many years pupils had been taught in two temporary buildings.

But the upheaval has been worthwhile with the single-storey extension bringing all of the school accommodation under one roof and into permanent buildings.

The development has included a new main entrance, reception and office accommodation, tutorial room, a library link, four classrooms and new toilets.

The library area has been refitted, new computers with internet access have been installed and an early years play area has been provided.

There are also plans for a larger school hall and landscaping of the grounds to include a water garden and nature garden.

An official opening was held in December, when former headteacher Pat Horne and retiring chairman of governors Tim Cook unveiled a plaque in front of representatives from the school community, the village and the developers.

Mr Cook, managing director of Oakwood Shopfitters, also gave the school a new desk for the reception area as a leaving present.

Headteacher Louise Herbert said: "Lots of people in the village have attended the school as a child and the work here has meant quite a lot to them.

"We have had very positive feedback from the children, parents and the community and we are very pleased with how it has turned out."