A 19th century primary school near Westbury is expanding with a new classroom, which will be ready for use in September.

Chapmanslade Primary in the village High Street was opened in 1867 and currently has three classrooms for its 96 children aged four to 11.

The new classroom will be built on the back of the hall, and will be used by Key Stage One pupils.

School governor Janet Aylesbury, 57, from Wood Lane, Chapmanslade, cut the first turf at the site on Friday.

She has worked at the school for 27 years and is the current caretaker and cleaner as well as the stand-in lollipop lady and dinnerlady, Mrs Aylesbury, who also runs the village guides and is deputy churchwarden at St Phillip and St James’ Church, said: “I felt very honoured to be asked. The school is special because it has a happy family atmosphere.

“The new classroom will enable us to take in more pupils.

“When I was at school there was only the old building with the two classrooms, and no staffroom. The field had been let to a local farmer so there was no adventure playground, we used to go to the rec instead.”

Joss Jewell, who has been headteacher at the school for seven years, paid tribute to Mrs Aylesbury.

She said: “She runs the village very quietly. She’s totally committed to the school and is an absolute joy to have around.”