A NEW classroom at Grays Convent School were blessed in an official ceremony.

Pupils and staff welcomed Thurrock Mayor, Yash Gupta, MP Jackie Doyle-Price, Msgr George Stokes, director of education in the Brentwood Diocese, Rev Barlow of SS Peter and Paul Church, Grays, Sister Rita O’Dowd and Sister Philomena from the Convent and the chair and vice chair of governors, John Sutton and Jackie Bryant.

The classroom, which has just been built, will be the new home of a Year 7 form group.

Deputy headteacher Dawn Collis said: “We are grateful to our guests for giving their time to make the opening ceremony and special blessing such a lovely occasion.

"I know that the new classroom will be put to good use.”