Arctic explorer, industrialist and Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire David Hempleman-Adams was the guest of honour at Corsham Primary School for the opening of its new classroom block.

The Box-based adventurer was joined by pupils, teachers and friends of the school for last Thursday’s ceremony at the Pound Pill site.

Executive headteacher Fiona Allen said: “Mr Hempleman-Adams came to spend a lot of time with the children before officially cutting the ribbon.”

The new block includes an early years unit, two classrooms, a library, and office and reception facilities. It also has a new 4D “immersive room”, for interactive learning.

Mrs Allen said: “It’s huge and it has speakers all round. It’s really rather special.

“We put up pictures of the Antarctic with penguins, so Mr Hempleman-Adams was well impressed. We wanted somebody special to open it, and as a deputy lieutenant he represents the Queen.

“The children organised the whole day and were showing people round.”