GAZETTE & HERALD: The much-loved former teacher and deputy head of Hardenhuish School, Peter Thompson, who died in a car accident in 1993, will be remembered at the official opening of the Peter Thompson Hall.

The Chippenham secondary school decided to name its new hall in Mr Thompson's honour, following his death in a motorway crash.

Mr Thompson, who also taught drama and English at Chippenham's Sheldon School, had just been appointed head of Alleyns School in Staffordshire at the time of the accident.

Teacher Hillary Harding said: "He was very charismatic and very popular with the children.

"He saw the good in everyone and encouraged all to do their utmost to reach their potential.

"He was highly regarded by pupils and colleagues and had a wicked sense of humour. One always felt better for having spent time with him."

The hall opening, on October 14 at 7pm, will feature a programme of entertainments, including dance, drama, music, PE, science and English readings performed by pupils and staff.

Around a dozen teachers and a hundred pupils will be taking part and preparations have taken around two-and-a-half months.

The ceremony, which is open to all former pupils and people who knew Mr Thompson, will be attended by his widow Christine and one of his sons.

Tickets for the event are available from Hardenhuish School's finance office and cost £5.

The Peter Thompson Memorial Garden, which was first established a year after his death, has been recently relocated to the front of the English and Performing Arts block, where it will have benches and plantings of lavender.