PRIMARY school children have been given a huge boost at one Swindon school after £1m extension was officially opened to the sounds of pupils singing a school song called Together.

The red ribbon to Gorse Hill Infant School and Children's Centre was cut on September 19 by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire to the delight of more than 200 children along with parents and teachers.

The new centre, which contains multi-purpose training and creche rooms, two nurseries and administrative offices, will serve children aged up to four and will support families.

Headteacher Sue Kershaw said the centre would provide new vital learning experiences for the children.

She said: "This has been such a lovely day to celebrate the opening of our new building which we refer to as the west wing.

"This new centre will give the community a fantastic facility to offer the families of Gorse Hill and Ferndale the opportunity to work with professionals of all backgrounds in the caring and nurturing of their children.

"Today is a celebratory day for the children and a chance to show off all the things that Gorse Hill is about."

During the event yesterday, 50 guests were ushered around the new building by five and six-year-olds.

After that most visitors enjoyed a hearty buffet while the children were entertained by poets and story-tellers.

Tony Hillier, a poet who was attending the event, helped complete a book of poems written by parents.

It was released yesterday to celebrate the opening of the building.

He said: "Families have always needed support to help their children flourish in a society that has fallen a bit by the wayside.

"This children's centre can begin to fill the gap."

Opening of the building, which was funded by the school, Swindon Council and Sure Start, was timed to also celebrate the 130th anniversary of the infant school.

Work started on the building last August with administration moving in throughout April and the nursery starting in June. Community events held at the centre will be posted on the What's on Board at the front of the school. Ring 01793 523800 for details.