THE East End s first ever Learning Village was given a grand opening as its director received an accolade from the Pope. The new buildings at Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate School were officially opened last Friday as part of its �47m Learning Vi

THE East End's first ever 'Learning Village' was given a grand opening as its director received an accolade from the Pope.

The new buildings at Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate School were officially opened last Friday as part of its �47m Learning Village project.

And it was a double celebration as headteacher Catherine Myers was made a Dame of the Pontifical Order of St Gregory the Great for her work on the project.

Work started on the new development in Shadwell in 2006 and the site now includes a brand new sports hall, theatre, dance studio and science laboratories with a Village Club and sports pitches opening later in the year.

A mass was held before the opening at St Mary and St Michael Church which was taken by Bishop George Stack with the Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nichols as a special guest.

During the service the Archbishop presented Mrs Myers with a medal and citation from Pope Benedict XVI and praised her "visionary courage" in creating the village.

Mrs Myers, who has been head for 18 years, said: "The project buildings are a practical example of the high expectations placed on the school.

"We hope the Learning Village will be a beacon for high attainment and prove a landmark in the school's growing relationship with its Tower Hamlets community.