A MUCH-needed new hall for children at Northlew and Ashbury Primary School was officially opened last week.
The major improvement scheme at the small village primary school costing almost a quarter of a million pounds, includes not just the school?s own multi-purpose hall for the first time, but also a brand new classroom and improved facilities.
The £222,000 scheme was officially unveiled by the vice-chairman of Devon County Council, Nolan Clarke.
The new facilities mark a period of real progress for the primary school.
Its latest Ofsted report praised the quality of teaching and the school?s above average standards, and last year the Department for Education and Skills presented Northlew and Ashbury with a School Achievement Award.
For many years the school used the village hall for PE but the building deteriorated and was no longer suitable.
The project converted part of the Victorian school into a multi-purpose hall and provided a brand new classroom.
A staff room and improved cloakroom and toilet facilities were also developed.
The school had identified the need for an indoor hall to provide gymnastics for pupils, but the hall can also be used for other indoor sports and drama and performance.
Headteacher Nicola Lampe said: ?This has modernised the building and provided disabled facilities as well as considerable extra space.
?It has greatly improved the learning environment for our pupils and the working conditions for staff.?
Cllr Bill Cann, who represents the Hatherleigh and Chagford district, was at the opening ceremony.
He said he was pleased to see the modernisation work completed ? he had begun lobbying for county council funding for it three years ago.
?It is first class and I thank the governors for their help in getting the money for the scheme,? said Cllr Cann.