A MUCH-needed new music room was officially opened with a fanfare on Monday at St Bede's Catholic Middle School.

The school welcomed a number of visitors involved in the project to the opening, including Fr Joseph Quigley from the Archdiocese of Birmingham, who quickly got into the spirit of things.

The room, which has cost £250,000, was the result of fund-raising by the school, a donation from the Archdiocese and the education authority.

Headteacher David Larkin said: "The suite consists of a new classroom and storage area which we have been developing for two years.

"It means far better facilities. We used to teach music in a dilapidated mobile classroom.

"The children are enjoying it tremendously."