A VERY special guest officially opened the new building at historic Bowdon Church School - the Bishop of Stockport.

Bishop Libby Lane led a ceremony which took place in the grand hall, where the guests joined 480 pupils for a celebration, blessing and dedication service.

Following speeches, worship songs and a lesson from Bishop Libby, the school choir sang, 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'.

The guests at the Grange Road school were from St Mary’s, St Luke’s and St. Peter’s churches, Trafford Council, Chester Diocese and neighbouring schools.

David Reid, the chairman of governors, thanked Trafford Council for its support and investment in the school. After prayers, Bishop Libby blessed the school.

Pupil Amos Gillingham, aged seven, said: “It felt really special when Bishop Libby asked us to stand so that she could bless us and the school.

"She said that the people in the school are the most important part.”

After the service guests and the school council stood under the new flag as Bishop Libby opened the curtains to reveal the plaque, positioned by ones from 1806 and 1969 - another piece in the school’s 463 year history was in place.

The guests were from St Mary’s, St Luke’s and St. Peter’s churches, Trafford Council, Chester Diocese and neighbouring schools. They and and many friends of the school were treated to a tour of the school followed by refreshments, before the service.

In January last year, former Hale vicar Libby Lane became the first woman to be consecrated as a bishop in the Church of England.

Prior to her historic appointment, she was vicar at St Peter's in Hale and St Elizabeth's in Ashley, for nearly eight years.