A two-year dream has come true for a village school with the opening of a major new computer facility.

St Osyth Church of England Primary boasts a purpose-built room with a total of 15 networked computers.

The new amenity - which was opened up and dedicated yesterday by Edward Holland, the Bishop of Colchester - means that every pupil can spend a minimum of an hour each week improving their IT skills.

Government cash had to be secured and detailed bids were submitted for part of the cost of the scheme.

However, the village school also had to come up with £45,000 of its own for the building and the equipment.

It was raised through donations from the community, including Lady Juliet Tadgell, formally of St Osyth Priory, St Osyth Parish Council, Smith's Farms and also funds collected by parents staff and pupils.

They arranged junior discos, fetes and other PTA functions.

The computer suite will be linked to the internet when more money is secured - hopefully through the Clacton and Harwich Education Action Zone.

Deb Clitheroe, the school's IT co-ordinator, said it took two years to plan and construct, mainly because the room had to be built and cash raised.

"Staff are pleased to see a dramatic improvement in their pupils' skills in the short time the suite has been in use," she said.

The Bishop took part in a special assembly which was attended by 300 children and guests.

The school also announced its plans to run computer courses for the community.

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