A FORMER Chester MP was delighted to officially open Queen's Park High School's new-look library learning space.

The Handbridge school was delighted to welcome Gyles Brandreth to officially open the recently transformed facility.

The project began over 12 months ago thanks to the inspiration and support from Hannah Wehbeh Interior Design, the designer behind the innovative interior design of Storyhouse in Chester.

Hannah met Queen's Park High School's headteacher Lyndsay Watterson following the school's open evening.

She expressed the desire to work with students from the school to create a more creative and inspiring learning space within the library for the benefit of the students.

Hannah then went on to meet Queen's Park's 'Book Loving Tuesdays' enrichment students and between them they explored ideas, themes, colours and textures which Hannah then took away and turned into a reality with the support of some of her key suppliers.

Hannah said: "I have loved working with the students and staff at QPHS. Together I think we have created a new and inspiring space where students can discover, be inspired and find a quiet place when needed."

The official opening gave headteacher Lyndsay Watterson the opportunity to thank Hannah for her creative skills and her generosity in terms of her time in particular.

Lyndsay also went on to thank the School's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) for their outstanding support for the school through their fundraising which enables such projects as this to take place, as well as acknowledging the support given to the school by their Academy Trust, The Learning Trust.

She said: "Our Library Learning Space is now a unique, creative space which no longer has the feel of a 'school library'.

"As a school we are very lucky to have such positive support from both within, and outside of our community, enabling us to always seek to better ourselves for the benefit of our students."

In his entertaining speech, Gyles stated: "I have been coming to Queen's Park High School, off and on for nearly 40 years, so I have seen some of the story of this school, its ups and its downs, and it's wonderful to arrive at a time when clearly it should be called Queen's Park 'riding high' School, with this library epitomising the great things that are going on at the school."

The writer and broadcaster also delighted the audience with his passion and enthusiasm for the written word, leaving the audience inspired to explore language and rise above the power of the emoji!

He then unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the library before chatting to students, staff and invited guests.