RUGBY World Cup winner Phil Vickery did the honours of opening Brymore Farm brand new £600,000 farm building on Friday (January 24).

The former England star - and winner of Celebrity Masterchef - was shown round the school by staff and pupils before unveiling a plaque in the afternoon.

Mr Vickery's nephew attends Brymore, and the rugby star said he had seen how the school had given Ethan a sense of belonging and purpose during his education.

Phil Vickery also spoke of his ties to the farming community, having grown up on a dairy farm and remains a qualified cattle inseminator.

"I think it is fantastic the boys here have access to a facility like this - not everyone thrives in an academic background so it is important we give our young people a variety of opportunities," Mr Vickery said.

"Having been shown around today, having been greeted with welcoming handshakes and smiles by all the boys, and knowing the effect this school has had on Ethan, I will leave here today feeling inspired."

The new building gained funding from the Department For Education, and an additional £100,000 from the Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust will assist with an additional building the school is hoping to see delivered later this year.

Headteacher Mark Thomas said: "The building has very much been needed by our farm, and we are delighted with the end result which includes a classroom and a new milking parlour.

"Agriculture is at the heart of what we do and this building is a real statement of intent for us as a school."

Mr Thomas thanked the board of governors, the staff and pupils, Bridgwater College Trust, the neighbouring farmers, the parents and Friends of Brymore School Association, Bridgwater Agricultural Society, the MP and EDF.