PICTURES: Library bus proves a hit at Pot Kiln Primary School in Great Cornard

Pot Kiln Primary School welcomed a new addition this week – a bus packed with the books.

Housed inside a retired double-decker, the school’s new library has already proved a hit with pupils.

The novel idea came about because of the school’s growth, with the previous library housed in a corridor.

The bus will also serve as a chill-out area from September, when the Great Cornard school starts a well-being programme called Thrive.

Headteacher Toni Kittle said: “We wanted to create an additional multi-functional space for pupils and families to include an inviting library and reading area that would both engage readers and provide space for therapy.”

The project was made possible thanks to free help and donations from individuals, groups and companies.

The school’s Friends of Pot Kiln group started the project by sourcing the double-decker bus and donating funds.

Once the bus was delivered to the Butt Road school, teachers involved children in a competition to design the outside of the bus, and their ideas were also incorporated inside for the chill-out area.

The bus has been named in memory of learning support assistant Miranda Knights, who died in July 2016.

Her family attended the grand opening.

Mr Kittle said: “The school saw it fitting to dedicate the bus to Miranda’s memory as The Knight Bus.”