FORMER Cherries boss Harry Redknapp has officially opened a new interactive room at Portfield School.

Autism Wessex launched an appeal to fundraise money for the new sensory room featuring state-of-the-art technology.

The floor and ceiling projections respond to body movement through an overhead camera. The floor is also interactive, suitable for those with additional needs.

Mr Redknapp said: "It's a pleasure to support this wonderful organisation.

"This space is a great addition to Portfield School and will make a positive difference to the young people who are able to access it. I am pleased to have been invited here today and wish the charity and Portfield School every success for the future."

Control of the lighting will help create a complete sensory environment, allowing even those with very limited movement to alter their immediate environment, at the Christchurch school.

Head teacher Tyler Collins said: "Due to an increased number of children being referred to us with increasingly complex needs, we have installed an interactive room to complement the existing small sensory room that the students are able to access as part of their timetabled curriculum.

"The room provides a highly motivating interactive and learning space designed specifically to encourage and support our students to interact with the environment and, just as importantly, each other.

"The room incorporates musical elements, sensory experiences and IT teaching experiences and will enable the children to learn through their senses, improve motor skills, expand interests, develop skills and provide extra tools for learning."

Much of the £40,000 costs were funded through the Big Lottery Fund's Awards For All project.

The school also hosted a number of fundraising activities and received sponsorship and donations from a number of organisations, including Westbourne Rotary and New Milton Round Table.