A DAY of celebrations will mark the official opening next week of one of Cambridgeshire s newest schools. The Lantern Primary School in Ely – already described as good with outstanding features in its first OfSTED inspection - will be formally opened on

A DAY of celebrations will mark the official opening next week of one of Cambridgeshire's newest schools.

The Lantern Primary School in Ely - already described as 'good with outstanding features' in its first OfSTED inspection - will be formally opened on Friday 24 March at 10am.

The day will start with an introduction from Gordon Jeyes, Cambridgeshire County Council's deputy chief executive for Children and Young People's Services. Guest of honour will be Cllr Shona Johnstone, the Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services.

She will perform the opening ceremony, then formally hand over the school buildings to chairman of the governors Roderick Mair.

A commemorative work of art has been specially commissioned by the school from local artist Chris Woods, who lives in nearby Stretham.

At 10.30am, the children will share school memories in music, pictures and words in the school hall, followed by a special visit from a story-teller and a celebratory lunch - including a Lantern School cake.

After lunch the children will all join a fun drama games session led by 2 local drama specialists.

Later in the afternoon there will be a release of 200 helium-filled balloons in the school's colours of yellow and purple, which will have been on sale throughout the day. Each pupil will also receive a special commemorative gift to mark the official opening.