CHILDREN at a Kidderminster school finally have a designated reading space following the grand opening of a new library.

Following a £10,000 redevelopment at St Ambrose Catholic Primary School, former student Mercy Ballard, who celebrates her 100th birthday later this year, was invited back to cut the ribbon to declare the room open.

Acting principal Helen Stewart said: "The children have been so excited to use their new library, which will be a lovely learning environment for our school.

"We haven't had a proper library for more than five years since the last one was turned into a prayer room.

"It's been a real community effort and I'm so grateful to everyone that has helped to make it possible."

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The redevelopment was paid for with school funds, money raised by the school's Parent Teacher Association and a £3,000 grant from the Foyle Foundation.

The room will be used for reading lessons and will be open for pupils to come in and read during lunchtimes.

Assistant principal Leigh-Ann Holtom said: "We've spent about £2,000 on new books alone.

"The school made a real effort for World Book Day this year and this vibrant learning space means we can continue promoting the importance of reading and writing to our children."

St Ambrose hopes to eventually invest in an electronic system so that students can borrow books and take them home.