WEST Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox took centre stage when he opened the new ampitheatre at St Andrews Primary School in Buckland Monachorum last Friday.

Mr Cox met staff and pupils and was shown around the school by headteacher Sarah Pendle.

The opening of the amphitheatre in the school grounds was attended by representatives of the parish council, school governors, staff and pupils, and all were delighted to see its completion.

Sarah Pendle thanked everyone for their help and support in making the idea a reality, and invited local community groups to use the new village facility.

Mr Cox said: 'I was delighted to meet and talk to the children and open their brand new amphitheatre.

'I can see that it will make a real contribution to the life of the school as well as the local community.

'Buckland Monachorum only returned to my constituency in May and I was also very pleased to have been able to discuss the progress of St Andrew's and issues of concern not only with the headteacher, but also parents and governors.

'I will certainly do all I can to represent their views and look forward to visiting again in the near future'.

l Geoffrey Cox MP with headteacher Sarah Pendle (far left), the Rev Graham Cotter (far right) and children of St Andrew's Primary School, Buckland Monachorum.

Picture by James Bird