The absence of a royal guest at Bellefield Primary and Nursery School in Trowbridge failed to dampen the spirits at a ceremony officially marking the merger of two schools.

The Bishop of Ramsbury Stephen Conway, along with school governors, MP Dr Andrew Murrison, Trowbridge mayor John Knight, as well as other local representatives were given a tour of the school this morning, before taking part in a service with more than 200 pupils who sang the Bellefield Song that was created especially for the opening ceremony.

Mr Conway who blessed the school and led the service told the pupils that although the Duchess of Cornwall was not able to attend the ceremony due to a bout of bronchitis, the children were all part of the royal family of God.

He said: "It was sad that the Duchess was not here because she was not well and we wish her to get better.

"It did mean that I had more to do but I was delighted to do it, especially in a school like this that has such a strong spirit.

"As a bishop it is exactly the sort of thing you want to see with children and teachers working so closely and caring about one another."

Headteacher Steve Wigley was pleased with the success of the day, despite the absence of Her Royal Highness, saying that he was thrilled with the number of people who had attended the ceremony.

Mr Conway finished the service in the school's main hall by unveiling the plaque that Her Royal Highness was due to unveil and blessed the school.

Bellefield Primary School was formed in January 2008 through the merger of Margaret Stancomb Infants School and Parochial Junior School. The school is based at Parochial's building in Windermere Road, with all the pupils moving onto the site in January 2009.