A school in Neasden officially opened a new �1million building, which has taken a year to complete, on Tuesday morning.

Staff, students and parents at St Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School in Quainton Street, Neasden, attended a special mass led by Bishop John Arnold before the official opening ceremony and blessing.

Councillor Aslam Choudry, Mayor of Brent, along with other councillors and head teachers also attended.

The building, which houses four new classrooms, a library and an atrium, is the result of more than 10 years of campaigning to secure more space for their students.

Students gave their input into the design of the space, which includes an eco-friendly Sedum roof.

As well as a �1m government grant, the school raised �100,000 of funding themselves, through various fundraising activities and stricter budgeting.

Head teacher Ewa McSperrin said: “It was a really wonderful morning. Everyone at the school is absolutely thrilled with the new building as it’s something we’ve needed for a long time.

“It will make a real difference to our students, who were previously in undersized classrooms and they’ve already given us plenty of positive feedback about the new space.

“We are now hoping that more funding will be made available in order to build the next phase of the school.”

Danke Daramy, a year 5 pupil at the school, said: “Our new school building is special because it is roomy and has everything we need - it has made a huge difference to us.

“It’s a pity I have only one more year to enjoy it. The children in nursery are so lucky as they have years to experience it.”