THE grand opening of a Redruth school had a distinctly Victorian feel with staff and pupils dressing up in period costume.

Going back to Christmas Eve 120 years ago, the new hall at Treloweth School, in Higher Broad Lane, became the dining room of Lord and Lady Treloweth's manor house.

"Villagers" arrived to entertain the lord and lady and their guests to earn their annual gift by presenting their plays songs and poems.

After each performance, visitors were invited back to the classrooms where the children had prepared refreshments with a Cornish theme for their guests.

Mr Geoff Aver, director of education for Cornwall, officially opened the school on December 16.

Visitors were invited to look around the school which has had £1.4 million spent on improving and extending its building.

This includes six new classrooms a family room, a new computer room and library, two inner courtyards, an extended car park, new pathways and landscaping in the playground area. All the original classrooms have also been refurbished.

"We wanted to make it a special day for the children and also an enjoyable day for everybody," said headteacher Karen Brokenshire.

"We also wanted our celebrations to have a real Cornish flavour and we thought a Victorian theme would be great fun."