FOR the first time in its 171-year history Launton C of E Primary School 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 eat lunch together.

Until now staff and children had been using a regular room to meet and play, but it was not big enough for their needs.

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

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

But all that has changed and kids are even using the new space to gear up for the Young Voices concert at Birmingham’s NEC arena in November.

Mrs Moorhouse said: “The children just love it, they really do.”

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.