Pupils, staff and governors didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits as Sue Gray, the Mayor of Thurrock, officially opened the new building at Arthur Bugler Primary School in Stanford Le-Hope.

The week long celebrations marked the final stage in the school’s journey following amalgamating the previous Infant and Junior Schools in April earlier this year. The highlight of the week was when the Mayor visited the School to cut the ribbon and officially open the new building. She was treated to a tour of the school from children in year six and tea and cake with the staff.

During the week long celebrations, the children took part in a number of exciting activities including fencing with a British Olympian, a circus skills workshops, a bird of prey show, a whole school picnic with cake and a sponsored football event and bounce.

Chair of Governors, Anjie Gaywood, said: "This marked the end of a very long journey to provide one school for the community. We now look forward to the next few years as we settle as one school."

Mr Bryant has been the Headteacher at the school since it amalgamated. He is pleased to finally have the building work complete, so that it is now truly one School operating from one building.

He went on to say: "The official opening was a fantastic event for the whole of the School to enjoy. The whole community has been so understanding since the building work started in February and it was lovely to see the children finally enjoy the new surroundings and lots of exciting activities at School. Arthur Bugler Primary School really is a great School at the heart of the community and the next chapter in the School’s history promises to be as exciting as the last!"