THE official opening of Bere Regis Primary School's new £5million building has taken place.

Former head teacher Steve Battishill performed the ceremony in front of pupils and teachers.

Some 135 primary and pre-school children and teachers will be calling the new building home, which provides five classrooms, a pre-school and a main hall.

Officially opening the campus, Mr Battishill said the school now provides a modern, fit-for-purpose resource for the children and the wider community.

Current head teacher Wayne Roberts said: "It is a wonderful new facility which will add hugely to what we can offer the children here at the school."

Meanwhile, Bere Regis councillor Peter Wharf said: "The old brick building at Rye Hill served as the school for over 80 years but was not large enough or suitable for teaching today's curriculum.

"The new school allows for day to day flexibility and future adaptability if future needs arise.

"This is a great day for the pupils and teachers at Bere Regis primary school."

Senior representatives from Dorset County Council's Dorset Property and children's services also attended the event, along with the site team and management team from contractors Morgan Sindall.

Morgan Sindall area director Jon Daines said: "We're delighted to have delivered this fantastic new school, which will provide pupils and teachers with a contemporary, spacious, sustainable learning environment."

Dorset Property, the county council's building consultancy group, provided design and project management services for the scheme which has taken nearly four years to bring to completion.

Although the opening ceremony has just taken place, the school has been open since January.

The project also included a new access drive, extensive playing fields and sports courts.