AN ORFORD school has officially opened its new book vending machine with the help of a local author.

Meadowside Community Primary and Nursery School received a donation from David Wilson Homes ‘Our Space Your Place’ scheme as well as a generous donation from Hebron Church.

Joanne Makin, deputy head teacher, said: “We want our pupils to foster a love of reading and our children have a chance to receive a token for their reading miles every half term.”

Robert Holbrook, managing director of David Wilson Homes North West, said: “As one of the UK’s leading developers, it is really important that we support the community in the areas in which we build.

“Meadowside are working hard to support their pupils in and out of the education environment, and we are happy to support them in the plight to encourage a love of reading.

“We wish them the best of luck with their new vending machine, and in difficult times like these we’re encouraging more people to support their local community.”

Rob Parker, a local author, visited the school to help officially open the vending machine on Wednesday.

He said: “It is always such a pleasure to visit Meadowside, I admire so much what they do as a school for the children.”