A NEW state-of-the-art English block has opened at West Hatch High School.

The block, known as The Miller Building - in recognition of the tremendous service that Ann Miller has given to the school. She has been a governor for 34 years, including 22 years as chairman.

The building was opened by distinguished author Linda Newbury, who has written fiction for all ages and specifically for teenagers.

Her best sellers include The Shellhouse, which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal in 2002, Set in Stone, which was a winner of the prestigious Costa Children’s Book Award 2006, and Catcall, which won a Silver Medal in the Nestle Children’s Book Prize in 2007.

The five-classroom block was well-received by students, parents, governors, architects, builders and local dignitaries who attended the ceremony.

Head teacher Frances Howarth told the assembled guests that Mrs Miller had been a tremendous asset to the Chigwell school, which has flourished under her leadership.

She had always shown total commitment and loyalty to the High Road school and continued to be extremely generous with her time, taking enormous pride in pupils’ successes.

Mrs Miller said: “We owe much to the work of Mrs Miller and are delighted to have been able to name the block after her. We were very honoured to have Linda Newbury open the block – she spoke with great passion and conviction about the importance of reading and writing.”