FOR the first time its 171-year history Launton CE Primary School near Bicester has a school hall.

And pupils have wasted no time in making the most of it.

Opened this term, the building is used for school assemblies, PE activities, singing and performances.

Complete with the new kitchen – another first for the school – it means the 138 pupils can now eat lunch together.

Headteacher Lisa Moorhouse said: “The school has grown a lot over recent years and it got to the point where we couldn’t squash everyone in for an assembly.

“Our children did lots of PE but it was difficult with no space.”

Funded by Oxfordshire County Council, the new hall has underfloor heating and air conditioning.

The Friends of Launton School raised £10,000 to buy new equipment and furniture. A new classroom has also been built to house children in years five and six.