A school in Langleybury was honoured with the presence of the Archdeacon of St Albans, as he opened a new building for students.

As coloured balloons were released into the sky, the Venerable Jonathan Smith cut a yellow ribbon to announce the opening of the new “Iona Building” at St Paul’s Church of England Primary School.

The state-of-the-art block, which has new classrooms for nursery and reception students, cost about £130,000, with £15,000 of the cash raised by the school’s parents association and supported by a further grant from the Diocese of St Albans.

The Iona Building will also act as tribute to Reverend Louise Ellson, vicar of St Paul’s Church, who had strong links with the school and its pupils, and who died four years ago from cancer.

Mrs Winter, head teacher, said: “We are very grateful for all of the support from the school community and thankful for all their hard work over the last year.

“It has been brilliant to have the Archdeacon here to open the building, our school community identifies strongly with Christianity.

“Building works started in January and it was all finished in time for the students at the start of term. We are very pleased with the results - it’s a wonderful place for all our reception and nursery pupils.

“The children and school are very fortunate to have such a fantastic learning environment – students are definitely enjoying their new surroundings.”

Following the ribbon cutting on Monday, September 20, a service was held in the school playground by Venerable Smith, with students and parents singing hymns, listening to readings and saying prayers.