A new classroom block, named in memory of a former headteacher, has been officially opened at a Braintree school.

The new early years centre at St Michael's C of E Primary School, in Maple Lane, was officially opened yesterday.

It was built to replace demountable buildings, which were set up to cope with overflowing classrooms.

The opening ceremony was conducted by the Very Rev Bernard Davies, former canon of St Michael's Church and chairman of governors.

The new classroom block has been called the Gordon Cornell Early Years Centre in memory of former St Michael's headteacher Gordon Cornell, who died recently after a long illness.

The new classrooms, which will be used by children aged four and five, also include brightly decorated toilets and an outside play area.

One of the classrooms is already in use and the second will come into use after Christmas.

Building work was paid for with money from the church as well as money from the school.

Deputy head Elaine Jones said: "We needed some new classrooms because we had demountables, which were quite cramped.

"The new classrooms are much bigger and brighter and the children love being in them."

Published Thursday November 29, 2001