It is home to Adnams' acclaimed 'green' distribution centre, with its range of energy-saving features.

But now Reydon can also boast some of the most environmentally-sensitive school facilities in Suffolk.

After the move to a two-tier education system in parts of Waveney, Reydon Primary School has had to make plans to accommodate new year five and six pupils, which has seen its roll reach 200.

On Monday, the ribbon was cut on its new, expanded facilities which will enable the school to cater for its new intake and lead the way on a greener approach to building management.

The school now has a brand new music room, a bigger library, a relocated IT suite for easier access – which includes a heat exchange unit to keep the room cool – new, improved toilets, refurbished classrooms and an enlarged and improved kitchen. The staff-room and waiting areas have also been spruced up.

On top of this, it can boast a roof made of zinc and walls made of hemp, and it is one of the first schools in Waveney to have solar panels. It also has a new monitoring system that shows how much carbon dioxide and electricity is being used.

'This is a wonderful opportunity for the children,' said school principal, Gary Draper. 'They will be able to learn about environmental issues, on top of us being able to provide a more diverse curriculum. The builders, Seamans, were fantastic, I can't stress it enough – it was a great collaboration. This will benefit every child.'

The school in Jermyns Road is now fully prepared to meet the needs of upper key stage 2 pupils and the new features will save on energy costs. It is hoped the carbon dioxide panel should alone save �800 a year in electricity.

All year five pupils are now taking advantage of the music room, either by learning an instrument, or by singing in the school choir. An extension of the school's hall will also have benefits for sport.

Mr Draper added: 'We now have specialist areas for kids to really use their potential. We can now make a much wider variety of sport available at the school, as the hall is bigger by a quarter.'

Parent Geraldine Harvey, from Reydon, has two sons at the school, one of whom will now be staying on in year five.

She said: 'The new facilities are fantastic. The children are so excited about the extra space. It has added a new dimension to the school. 'The children have watched it all evolve and had input on the design, such as the colours. It has been a really positive thing.'