And inspirational Olympic gold-medallist Darren Campbell was invited to Jack Hunt School, in Ledbury Road, Peterborough to officially unveil the plaque.

The school had previously been a specialist language school, but got the opportunity to add to that with a specialism in sport.

Excitement filtered through the school as Mr Campbell mixed with the children in games of tennis and football.

Callum McInerney was over the moon when the athlete put his gold medal over the youngster's head.

Pupils at the school now benefit from a new sports hall, dance studio, assembly hall, drama suite, music suite and ICT facilities.

There is also a new multi-sports hard play area, and extensive landscaping has provided improved social space for the pupils.

The school has also increased its intake of pupils, admitting a further 30 in each year group after Bretton Woods Community School and Walton Community School recently closed.

After visiting the gymnasium, Mr Campbell said: "First and foremost, sport is about having fun, but to see these children using sports equipment like this is fantastic. These are the champions of the future and they are being able to try new skills at a young age, in a safe environment, which is great."

Other guests to the opening were city councilleader Cllr John Peach, director of children's services Mohammed Mehmet, cabinet member for education and children's services Cllr Geoff Ridgway and MP for Peterborough Stewart Jackson.

After a tour of the school Mr Campbell said: "It is just amazing. The facilities at Jack Hunt were nothing like when I was a kid.

"We had five computers, but now there is one for everyone.

"And in music lessons we would use triangles and tamborines, not guitars and pianos.

"It is great that these children have these kinds of facilities to express themselves."

Click here to listen to Darren's inspirational talk in full.