A school which had its library destroyed during severe flooding has now opened its new facility.

The grand opening at St Benedicts’ Catholic Primary school in Chatham took place last Tuesday (October 15).

It comes after a heavy rainstorm caused the school’s drainage system to overflow over a year ago.

As a result, the water damaged two thousand books, all the school computers, furniture, and carpets in the school library, ICT suite, art cupboard and office space.

The new library was officially opened by the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Marian Nestorov and his wife, Liubov.

Sarah McAlpine, Headteacher at St Benedict’s, said: “The children were extremely proud to show the Mayor and Mayoress our lovely new space for reading.

“The Mayor spoke to the children about the importance of reading and his own love of books especially fantasy stories.

“The children of St Benedict’s have been frequent visitors to Lordswood Library whilst they waited for all the restoration works to be complete.

“A year later, the children cannot wait to use their own library.”