THE Bishop of Basingstoke has officially opened a classroom at a school in Alton - and given his blessing to its spiritual garden.

The Right Reverend David Williams performed the duties at St Lawrence Primary School at the end of June.

The new classroom will allow the school to take a full, one-form entry.

Outside, and featuring a beautifully crafted whale and table by Alton-based wood carver Jona Cleaver, the garden cost around £700, paid for by the Parish of the Resurrection’s St Lawrence School Trust Fund. It will be used for class collective worships and will provide an opportunity to take a moment to reflect.

The bishop was then given a tour of the school after listening to the children sing their school song More Precious to You Than Gold, which was written by the children and one of their teachers.

Deputy headteacher Fiona Micklefield said: “The song reminds the children of the school values of love, compassion and respect.”

The school’s parent teachers association provided a vintage afternoon tea for everyone to share, with Marcus Boll providing the entertainment.

Town centenarian Bob Weighton, 110, was a guest at the opening, celebrating the special occasion with his great-granddaughter, Elin, who is currently in Year R.