Comedian and novelist Julian Clary was cheered on by students as he officially opened a school in Cricklade.

After a tree-planting session, the star, whose parents live in Swindon, cut the ribbon to The Old School House in High Street, which was last used as a school 50 years ago.

It has been taken over by Meadowpark School to provide additional classrooms, an IT lab and library.

“We have a strong emphasis on drama and arts at the school and Julian Clary narrates the Little Princess Books for Channel Five,” said headteacher Rajvinder Kular.

“He’s very good with the children and he’s very genuine. The Old School House is a wonderful building and it feels nice, and that was one of Julian Clary’s comments.”