PUPILS at a borough primary school took part in a spoken word and musical ceremony to open their innovative new library.

The event took place at Stanford-le-Hope Primary School, part of the Osborne Coop Academy Trust.

The school's library has been completely refurbished and upgraded – with a woodland theme. £1,500 of the funding for the renovation came from Tesco after shoppers at its Basildon Mayflower School supported a bid. Representatives from Tesco at the ceremony included Mayflower's Mumataj Begum, her colleague Danni Green and Angela Mitchell, Community Champion at Tesco Lakeside Extra.

Children organised their own fundraising through a sponsored read and one child, Leni, raised £300 alone.

Osborne Coop Academy Trust also donated money, as did the school's PFA, which contributed £5,000. Hockley councillor, Danielle Belton donated bean bags, cushions and some books.

The ceremony at the school was opened by executive head Lisa Glandfield who thanked everyone concerned with the project, particularly Angela Ellul - organised the project over the last two years. Angela's mum Jenny - knitted some of the woodland creatures in the library.

Osborne CEO Paul Griffifths also expressed his admiration and thanks to all concerned.

Staff who helped to clear the old library, sort the book and set up the new one, included Sara Bibby and Steve Benn who were thanked, as was Ellie Kemp for providing the balloons around the library entrance for the ceremony.

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Children in attendance at the ceremony included selected school council representatives, Year One singers and readers from Year Five.