A NEW £4.5 million sports hall at Malvern St James school is nearing completion.

Just eight months after the foundations were laid, a topping out ceremony took place.

Armed with a yew tree and a Union Jack, headmistress Rosalind Hayes, led guests to the top of the scaffolding where, in a traditional fashion to set the tree spirits free', they blessed the building and acknowledged the efforts used to construct the building.

Due for completion in the summer the sports hall will include six multi-use courts, a climbing wall, a fitness suite, a dance studio and a junior gym, a seminar room, a licensed juice and coffee bar and a viewing gallery.

It is an eco-friendly build with a sedum roof and natural ventilation.

The yew tree used for the ceremony will be planted close by in the school grounds.

Mrs Hayes said: "This is not only a state-of-the-art facility for our girls, but will be a prestigious and valuable addition to community resources in the area. Both the general public and our girls will be able to enjoy using these excellent facilities."

Steve Speller, joint managing director of main contractors SpellerMetcalfe, which is based in Malvern, said: "We are delighted to have worked with Malvern St James on this hugely successful contract, which will not only provide exceptional sports facilities but will also form an outstanding architectural landmark for Malvern."