After a year of fundraising, Stoke Fleming Primary School has opened it’s new under water themed library.

Over the past 12 months, the school’s Friends Association has tirelessly worked to gather funds to develop the ideas of the school council to create an inspiring reading space.

A spokesman from the school said: “We believe that reading is not only a fundamental life skill but something which opens up limitless possibilities.

“To show the value we place on reading, we feel it is essential to have somewhere we can all enjoy a good book.”

There have been numerous fundraising events over the past year from suppers to Sports Day festivals. They were all supported by the local community, businesses and individuals.

The supporting individuals included The Stoke Fleming Charitable Ladies, Stoke Fleming Village Shop, Stoke Lodge Hotel, Café Alf Resco’s, Bayard’s Cove Inn, Stoke Fleming Hort and Sports committee, The Wheel House, Sainsbury’s, Saveurs, The Seahorse, Dart Marina Hotel and Spa, Coombe Gallery, Inspire Hair and Beauty, Millie and Boo and Dartmouth Bookseller.

Special thanks also goes to Lee and Gemma Rogers for volunteering their time to put it all together, to Lottie Mae Hall who painted the wall art and all the wonderful parents and Friends of Stoke Fleming School who helped to catalogue the books. It was a big community effort.

To celebrate the grand opening of the newly refurbished library, the school held a day to celebrate reading.

Two local authors, Rachel Elliott and Rob Holmes, visited the school to talk to the children, read their latest publications and hopefully inspire the next generation of budding authors.

Theo, Noah and Callum from year six said: “Both authors were really inspiring in different ways, they gave us some great ideas.

“Rachel encouraged us to make a book and gave us tips on how to get published. Rob and Rachel even asked us to sign our short story we wrote for them, amazing.”

The day to celebrate reading culminated with the Grand Opening of the new school library. Head teacher, Paul Girardot said a few words and Rachel Elliott cut the ribbon.

During the rest of the afternoon, parents spent the time enjoying a good book with their children.

“It just shows that even in these tough times of austerity, where everyone is feeling the pinch, the wonderful kindness of the communities around us can help ensure our future generations can get the very best start” added the spokesman.