Award-winning children’s author David Almond joined staff and pupils to officially open Castle Mead Primary School in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Mr Almond, who won the international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2010, spoke to children at Castle Mead, as well as pupils from The Mead Academy Trust’s other schools, about his work before officially opening the school.

As well as the ribbon-cutting ceremony, pupils and staff dressed in medieval costume and learned about Trowbridge in the 12th century from Trowbridge Museum.

Mr Almond also unveiled the school’s new mosaic, which was designed by the children and created with artist Anita Andrews to incorporate elements that are important to the identity of the school.

Headteacher Tracy Boulton said: “We were thrilled that David Almond came to talk to the children about his books and being a writer, as some of our classes are studying one of David’s books as their topic this term.

“It was truly inspiring to have him in our school.

“David is also the 'reading champion' for The Mead Academy Trust and we were pleased to welcome children from all our schools to hear him speak.

“In the afternoon we were joined by family and friends of the school and we rounded off the day by unveiling our new mosaic and cutting a giant ribbon.

“It was a spectacular day of celebration and a magnificent start to our school journey.”

The school, which was built on the Castle Mead housing development next to Paxcroft Mead, has initially opened with 90 pupils in four mixed-age classes, after building work was completed in May.

It will eventually provide up to 210 pupil places, but has been designed to allow for possible extension for 420 school places and a 26-place nursery.