Pupils celebrated the �800,000 transformation of their school by planting a cherry tree yesterday afternoon to replace one ripped up in building work.

Valley Primary School in Marlpit, west Norwich, was formed through the merger of Mill View Middle and Knowland Grove First School.

The two schools merged in 2007, but had been housed in separate buildings on the same site in Gentry Place until the redevelopment.

The old Mill View buildings have been extended while what was Knowland Grove has been demolished. Headteacher Chris Spinks said: 'It is fantastic that our school has been able to come together in one building and that pupils can benefit from transformed new classrooms.

'We feel that being united in one building helped us to move from satisfactory to good at our last inspection and has strengthened our whole school community.'

The children joined Norfolk County Council chairman Shelagh Hutson to plant the cherry tree in the school's grounds.

Alison Thomas, cabinet member for children's services at Norfolk County Council, said: 'It has always been our ambition to complete the amalgamation of the two schools in this way and ensure that children are really feeling the benefits of being one school.

'I am particularly pleased that we have been able to secure funding at a time when resources are scarce.'

Do you have a story about a school? Call Victoria Leggett on 01603 772468 or email victoria.leggett@archant.co.uk.