A NEW building at a Hampshire school has officially opened after a £3.5 million investment.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of a new building at Saint James Church of England Primary School in West End.

The extension will increase the school capacity from 420 to 630 pupils.

The new building called The Camino, comprises seven classrooms connected by a canopy to the existing buildings, a new second performance space, refurbished toilet and reception facilities.

Staff and parents were joined by councillor Stephen Reid, Hampshire County Council’s executive member for education and skills, human resources and performance, and the Right Rev Jonathan Frost, Bishop of Southampton, for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“This project is part of our programme to provide 17,500 new places at Hampshire schools by 2021, with a total planned investment of around £140 million,” councillor Reid said.

He added: “It is our priority to be able to offer places at good quality schools for every Hampshire child, so it is wonderful to witness the opening of such an important extension which will enable more children to attend this popular school.”

The building was named The Camino, after the famous Christian pilgrimage route, also known as The Way of Saint James.

At the opening ceremony councillor Bruce Tennent, mayor of Eastleigh, planted an olive tree as a symbol of peace and hope, and the event concluded with the release of a flock of doves.

Michelle Marsh, headteacher at St James Church of England Primary School, said: “I am so excited about this new building and for the school to begin serving even more local children than ever.”