A NEAR £2 million building project at the Ringwood Waldorf School over the past 15 years reached completion with the opening of a multi-purpose hall on the Folly Farm Lane site at Ashley.

Christchurch MP Chris Chope and Ringwood mayor Cllr Danny Cracknell joined parents, staff and students for the official ceremony which included a blessing by inter-faith minister the Rev Annie Blampied.

The festivities also included music and dancing displays by some of the pupils in the showpiece hall, equipped with the latest high-tech sound and lighting systems and retractable raked seating.

"It was a grand event," said Christine Polyblank, teacher and spokeswoman for the independent school based on the educational theories of early 20th century Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner.

The £800,000 hall, which also includes kitchens, offices and facilities for gymnastics and drama as well as music and dance, has been funded through a mortgage and taken two years to build.