A renowned novelist has officially opened a grammar school’s £350,000 new library.

Ham & High: Professor Maggie Gee opens the new library at Henrietta Barnett School. Picture: Nigel SuttonProfessor Maggie Gee opens the new library at Henrietta Barnett School. Picture: Nigel Sutton (Image: © Nigel Sutton email pictures@nigelsuttonphotography.com)

Professor Maggie Gee, vice-chairwoman of the Royal Literary Society, unveiled a plaque at all-girls Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb on Wednesday.

The Bath Spa University lecturer, of Kensal Rise, has links to the school, having sent her daughter there.

Pupils also gave speeches explaining what the new library means to them.

The school has been planning and fundraising to extend and refurbish the old library for nearly seven years.

Headteacher Del Cooke said: “We are thrilled to bit with the library – it has exceeded our expectations and the students love it.

“It is now the favourite place for students to be and is big enough to accommodate them.”