Eastwood's new £5 million Springbank Primary School was officially opened by Nottinghamshire County Council's new chairman.

Carol Pepper, incoming chairman of the County Council said: "We first acquired the site for this new school nearly 40 years ago, so it's with great pleasure and pride that we're able to be here today to mark the opening of this state-of-the-art building.

"Amongst all the modern facilities that we take for granted, I know the provision of an on-site playing field for the school will be particularly warmly welcomed."

The school provides a new building for the recently-amalgamated Eastwood Infant and Junior Schools.

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The 180 primary-aged children moved into their new school on Peacock Drive at the start of the spring term in January.

Until then the recently-formed Springbank Primary School operated from the old infant and junior building on Devonshire Drive.

The school site was one of the last remaining examples of medieval 'ridge and furrow' farming in the area. This feature is visible from the air and can also be spotted on Google Earth. As a planning condition, some of it has been preserved at the top end of the site.

Springbank head Julie Vaccari said: "For many years, there's been a vision that a purpose-built primary school would support the children of Eastwood on their road to success.

"Before the project started, we asked the children what they wanted in a new school. The result is a true oasis where our children can strengthen their unique talents and skills, prepare for the future and gain an enthusiasm for life-long learning.

"Our dedicated team has worked relentlessly to ensure every child is able to reach for the sky - the facilities make sure our children can do just that. From the forest school area where the children can take risks and sports field where they can play football, to our 'dream room' where we can experience out-of-reach events and ideas."

(CD/GK)