THE retiring Bishop of Hereford, John Oliver, made what will probably be his last official visit to Much Marcle Primary School.

He formally opened new classroom, toilet, library and storage areas on Thursday in the old School House.

The building in the grounds of the school is owned by the church and leased by the LEA.

A Victorian toilet block at the front of the school has been converted into a fifth classroom, together with a new library, dedicated medical room and food technology room.

Headteacher Sue Hughes said: "It means we don't have to double up any more. Extra space is the most significant benefit."

The new classroom has been taken up by the infants, giving pupils more modern surroundings, instead of the Victorian environment they were used to.

The £200,000 plus funding needed for of the work has come largely from Government grants, with extra from school funds, trustees and the diocese.

Mrs Hughes said: "It's really lovely that the bishop was able to open the new facilities because we are a church school. He was here six years ago to open another extension and we will be one of the last Herefordshire schools he visits before his retirement this autumn."