Ceremony for new Telford village primary school

A £3.5m primary school which has been built for a new Shropshire village is being officially opened.

Bournville Village Trust, founded in 1900 by chocolate manufacturer George Cadbury, is involved in creating a new village in Lightmoor, Telford.

The 210-pupil school was built as a joint venture between Telford & Wrekin Council, the trust and the Homes and Communities Agency.

The Oak Tree community centre at the site was also being officially opened.

'Integral part'

The school features seven classrooms, social play areas, a multi-use games area and a school hall.

Councillor Stephen Burrell, the authority's cabinet member for children and young people, said: "Opening this brand new primary school is a landmark moment for the emerging community at Lightmoor Village."

The Oak Tree centre at the site, managed by the not-for-profit housing association, can be used by the community and businesses.

It includes sports changing rooms, IT suites and function rooms.

The council said the school was "an integral part" of the trust's vision to build 800 new homes at Lightmoor with a range of facilities which also include a community centre, shops and play facilities.

Fifteen fruit trees have been planted at the back of the school by Bournville Village Trustees at the request of pupils.

Trust chairman Roger Cadbury was due to cut a ribbon to officially declare the new school open.