Susan Hampshire has officially opened the new Learning Resource Centre at Dyson Perrins CE High School in Malvern.

The Emmy Award-winning actress unveiled a plaque yesterday (Thursday), before being given a tour of the facilities.

The centre, for children with learning disabilities, includes classrooms, computer room and library.

"I feel centres like this are very important," said Miss Hampshire, who is currently appearing at the Malvern Theatres in Alan Bennett's The Lady in the Van.

"I'm dyslexic myself and I think it's really important that all pupils are integrated together like this, so that everyone can help each other."

Ms Hampshire, who chronicles her problems with dyslexia in her autobiography Susan's Story, said she was impressed by the design of the new block.

"It's a lovely environment for children to learn in, and I think every penny of the project was well spent," she said.

Headteacher Peter Buchanan said he was delighted to see the centre finished and that it was part of the school's aim to be fully inclusive to all pupils.