SOUTH Norfolk MP Richard Bacon officially opened the new extension to Rockland St Mary Primary School on Saturday 25 September.

According to records at County Hall, there has been a school on the site since the 1840s.

A new school was built in the 1880s from bricks that were baked in Rockland St Mary.

Hand-baked bricks from Suffolk have been used in the new extension.

Mr Bacon said: “I was delighted to see how the original character of the Victorian building has been maintained with attention to detail and by using local building materials. This has created a wonderful atmosphere within the school which will benefit all who work in it”.

The extension, which was started in March and completed in time for the autumn term, provides extra classroom space, a school office and staffroom as well as a private office for headteacher Ken Holbeck. The children also have a playing field and hard court area for play and organised games.

The official opening was coupled with the school's annual fete which, this year, had a circus theme. The children entered into the spirit of the event turning up dressed as animals, clowns, fortune teller and even the big top.

Mr Bacon said: “It is always a pleasure to visit Rockland St Mary Primary School. Ken Holbeck is an excellent and committed headteacher which is proved by the splendid Keystage 2 Test results achieved last term and the happy faces of the children, staff and parents”.