BUDDING stars of the stage at an independent school will be returning from the summer break to a state-ofthe-art set-up.

Dodderhill School, near Droitwich, officially opened its new performance arts centre earlier in the summer with the help of VIPs from the area, who took the spotlight for the event.

Mayor of Droitwich, Councillor Tom Noyes, was among the dignitaries who gathered at the school to see former Minister of State for UK Trade and Investment, Lord Digby Jones, officially open the revamped former sports hall.

The new two-storey centre has four teaching and practice classrooms, and a foyer with a feature staircase that leads up to a large performance space suitable for plays and award ceremonies.

It has also been designed so it can be used by outside organisations.

Lord Jones, originally from Alvechurch, near Redditch, was also taken on a tour of the school and met pupils.

He said: “It was an honour to cut the ribbon to Dodderhill’s new performance arts centre.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and met some wonderful pupils.

“I’m familiar with the school and its philosophy to nurture and support each girl’s talent and goals, whether she wants to be the next Katherine Jenkins or Deborah Meaden.”

To add to the celebrations, Jean Davidson, who founded the school in 1973 at its current site, was also in attendance.

She said: “It is fantastic to see the continued investment into Dodderhill, the new centre will definitely be nurturing some upcoming talent.”

Cate Mawston, headmistress, described the occasion as an “amazing day” that will be “one for Dodderhill’s history books”.

“I’d like to thank everyone who attended to make the day extra special,” she said.

“The new performance arts centre looks better than we could have ever imagined and it will be an excellent resource for the girls and the local community.”