Schoolchildren cheered and clapped as their new library was officially opened today.

Pupils at St Mary's School in Dollis Park, Finchley, were delighted as chairman of Martyn Gerrard estate agents, Martyn Gerrard cut a red ribbon to open the library today.

The school was struggling to secure more than £5,000 to pay for the renovation when Martyn Gerrard stepped in to cover the cost.

Tanis Towse has been a librarian at the school for seven years. She said: “The old library was in a terrible state. The shelving was poor and kept falling down.

“We had lots of lovely books but no way for the children to access them.

“Now we have a great facility which is much lighter, with new shelving. It’s a total transformation and the children are really going to enjoy using it.”

The school has named it the The Martyn Gerrard Library in honour of the company's donation.

Warren Price, sales director at Martyn Gerrard, said: "I personally have two children at the school, Chloe in year 6 and Harry in year 4 and both being avid readers I was very aware that the library required refurbishment.

"As a local family business we are always prepared to sponsor local schools, charities and events.
We have sponsored St Marys school for the last ten years demonstrating our long term commitment to such good causes."