A day marking the �120,000 transformation of a Norwich special school saw one pupil's dreams come true thanks to a visit from a Norwich City football star.
The Hall School, Saint Faith's Road, welcomed the club's right-back Russell Martin on Tuesday for an official ceremony to mark the completion of a new reception and specialist rooms.
And alongside Mr Russell, who performed ribbon cutting duties on the day, was sporty green dinosaur Sportasauraus, a mascot for event co-organisers the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation (NCCSF).
Keith McKenzie, the school's new headteacher, contacted the club following a request from 13-year-old Eliot Furlong, one of 77 pupils at the school.
He said: 'One of our pupils, Eliot, is a very enthusiastic Norwich City fan and, during my interview, asked me what team I supported and whether our school could become more involved with his favourite club.
'I assured him that I would try to develop strong links and fully intend to hold firm to that commitment.
'The club have worked very hard to make this event a wonderful and memorable experience for the whole school. Norwich City and their foundation are wonderful for taking the time to make a difference to the lives of children with disability.
'I cannot thank the club and the foundation enough for their kindness, and we look forward to working with the Community Sports Foundation, at events such as the Schools Grand Prix Leagues.
'It's so wonderful that Russell and Norwich City are able to make the opening ceremony so special for Eliot and the school. This is an exciting day that we will always remember.'
The building work was funded from the school's own budget and designed and built by Ingleton Wood. A spokesman from NCCSF said: 'We are always looking to continue our relationships with schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, providing them with a variety of opportunities.
'Having worked previously with the Hall School at our Schools Grand Prix events, we enjoyed supporting them with the opening and look forward to developing our relationship with the school and its students.'
Is your school welcoming a special guest? Contact Local Life editor Richard Wood on 01603 772423 or email richard.wood@archant.co.uk
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