ONE of Britain’s most-celebrated Olympians was in the city last week to mark a new era for Hereford Cathedral School.

Double gold-medallist Dame Kelly Holmes came to Hereford for the official opening of the school’s new sports hall. Holmes proved a figure of inspiration to the Cathedral School pupils to whom she gave a motivational address in Hereford Cathedral.

She then watched as pupils from the school gave demonstrations of their sports in the impressive new building which, as well as use for the school, will also have community use.

“The new hall will have a significant impact on the provision of sport not only across the complete age range of our pupils, but also to the wider community in Hereford and beyond,” said headteacher Paul Smith.

“It is a building of the highest standard and is certainly fit for purpose.”

The headteacher thanked Dame Kelly for making the opening such a special occasion.

He also thanked the school’s governing body, the Dean and Chapter and Hereford City Council and their planners, among many others, for their support in the construction of the new building.

“The biggest thanks go to our bursar Simon Jones,” he said. “He has been involved in every single aspect of the construction and his commitment has been exemplary.”