Balloons were released as a primary school officially opened its new building last week.

Joseph Hood primary school, in Whatley Avenue, Raynes Park, opened the £4.8m block which will allow the school to double in size – from 210 to 420 children.

Dubbed “We Love Joseph Hood”, the ceremony was attended by pupils, teachers, and senior councillors.

The headteacher, Anita Saville, said: "Our opening ceremony was a great success and I'm so pleased at how our new school building has turned out.

“I'd like to thank everybody involved in getting our new building up and running and for helping to make the opening ceremony an occasion to remember at Joseph Hood."

The new building includes a two-storey extension with12 classrooms, a main hall, a dining hall and a kitchen.

The council’s cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, said: "The fantastic new building complements the original part of the school, with facilities which are of a very high standard.

“I have no doubt that the new building will serve the present and future pupils of Joseph Hood Primary School well, and has also considerably improved the school environment."