Staff and pupils at Shebbear Community School were pleased to welcome back two ex-pupils to officially open a new classroom. 

Ron Ackland, who celebrated his 90th birthday on the day of the visit, was joined by his son Graeme (who also attended the school) and his grandson James who is studying at Cambridge University.

The Ackland family had kindly made a donation to the school which was used to build a new teaching room for reception children. 

Ron said that he was very pleased with the new facility and happy to be able to give something back to the school and the local community. 

Ron and Graeme, who is now a professor of Physics at Edinburgh University, recounted some stories from their own time at Shebbear. Ron is a well-known local historian who has spent the majority of his life in Shebbear. 

Headteacher Nick Alford said: “We are extremely grateful to the Ackland family for their generosity. The new classroom has made a huge difference to the school, not least the children who use it every day.”

To complete the visit, the whole school gathered in the hall to sing happy birthday to Ron.