EMOTIONS ran high at Alderman Knight School as supporters witnessed something they never thought they would see.

The official opening of the Tewkesbury special school's new extension came just five years after it was nearly closed by the county council.

The authority had wanted to integrate children with learning difficulties into mainstream education.

Many of those who persuaded Shire Hall to keep it open were back at the Ashchurch Road site yesterday to see the new facility's official opening.

It cost nearly £500,000 and houses a classroom, community room, learning resource area and meeting room.

Dave Waters, who was chairman of governors at the time of the battle to keep Alderman Knight and other special schools open, fought to control his emotions.

He said: "As parents, in our hearts and minds we knew these schools were the best place for our children.

"It was a long, hard-fought campaign. So many people took part in it.

"It made the difference, as we see before us today."

Builders Kier Moss have created the extension on part of the playground at the school. With help from Warners Motor Group, they also provided some picnic tables and benches next to the new development.

Head teacher Clare Steel said: "This is a very special afternoon. Even four years ago, we never thought we would have anything new built because we didn't think we would have a school."

Brian Eeles and Valerie Keyte, part of the team who helped save the school, performed the ribbon-cutting.

The extension was needed because the number of pupils at the school has increased from 50 in 2006 to 85. There are plans to increase that number to 100.

Of the £500,000 cost, £100,000 came from the school, having been awarded specialist status in communication and interaction in September, and the rest from the county council.

There are long-term plans for redevelopment of Alderman Knight School and the county council has set aside £5.4 million to cover part of the cost of a major overhaul.

Although at an early stage, the plan is to replace the main building. If it goes ahead, it would not affect the extension.