NEW facilities aimed at bringing the best in art and music out of pupils at Oak Lodge Special School, Dibden have been opened in memory of one of the school's inspirational helpers.

Folk singer Dave Williams was a volunteer who helped pupils with their music. Following his death in 1997, his widow Christine made a substantial donation to the school.

That money went towards a new creative arts building, which cost almost £200,000 and has now been officially opened by Lady Montagu of Beaulieu.

The ceremony was attended by Mrs Williams, her late husband's sister Judy Saxby and their 91-year-old father Arthur.

Head teacher Beverley Hawker said: "He (Dave Williams) was enthusiastic, committed, full of fun and determined to make everyone enjoy music. He in-spired us all at Oak Lodge."