NEW Forest East Tory candidate Julian Lewis visited youngsters at Marchwood Junior School's dedicated science hut.

The temporary science building has been in place in the school grounds for three years after the last one was destroyed by arsonists.

Ofsted inspectors singled out the school's outstanding efforts in science during their recent inspection.

Mr Lewis stepped in to get the rent reduced for the temporary block after Hampshire County Council demanded £15,000 a year from school chiefs.

A figure of £5,000 a year has now been agreed.

Head teacher Stephen Bassett said: "It is very important to the children because it provides a resource which we can dedicate entirely to science for them.

"It also has other uses, such as parent education in partnership with Totton College."