A NEW £9.1m school for children with special educational needs has been unveiled to parents.

The Edith Borthwick School in Springwood Drive, Braintree, relocated from its previous home in Church Street, Bocking, over the summer.

Speaking to about 200 parents crammed into the new school hall on Friday afternoon, headteacher Ian Boatman thanked staff for their hard work and parents for their patience.

He said: “It’s been a 20 year journey but we are finally here. It’s taken that long to get here.

“Our hopes and prayers for a new building were dashed many times along the way.

“We outgrew our old building 15 years ago. I do apologise to the parents who had children at the school over the last 20 years because it was difficult.

“But we have finally made it and when you look around today you will see the huge transformation. The difference is absolutely amazing.”

He added: “It’s all set now to serve the local community well into the future."