It was the final chapter in the building of a new Greenhithe school extension, and there to witness it was the Bishop of Rochester and Dartford’s MP.

On a chilly but sunny day pupils sat in rows of chairs outside the new wing, last Friday, warmly dressed in winter coats and scarves as the Rt Reverend James Langstaff officiated at the opening.

The building at Stone of St Mary’s Primary School, Hayes Road, has been in use since September.

It will bring the schools’s population to 630 pupils over the next four years.

Head teacher Jane Rolfe said: “We were honoured the Bishop of Rochester joined us on this highly memorable day - an expansion which will continue to deliver high quality education for all children.”

MP Gareth Johnson said: “Stone St Mary’s is a fantastic school which really brings the best out of its children.

“The new building will help facilitate the expansion of the school and allow more youngsters to experience the excellent education it offers.”