PUPILS and staff at a village school were excited to welcome an MP and former Government minister to formally dedicate a new stained-glass window.

South Herefordshire Conservative Jesse Norman spent time with Llangrove Academy deputy headteacher Ed Fox visiting every class and answering questions from the pupils about his role as the area’s MP.

Mr Norman also met Cathy Lee, a local award-winning artist, who created the school's beautiful new stained-glass window, which showcases the school's six core values – achievement, creativity, opportunity, resilience, nurture, and service.

Ms Lee said: “As a parent to a child at the primary school, it means the world to me to be able to add a little extra colour and brightness to an already sunny and happy school.

“This window is a reflection of the talented children and staff who provide our children with imaginative, kind and brilliant education and environment.

“Being commissioned to create this traditional stained-glass panel was a privilege, but more than that, it makes me happy to think that every day these pupils will go on to be in an environment where art and light can fuel their creativity.”

The tradition of installing stained-glass windows into buildings goes back many centuries and was mainly confined to religious buildings.

Historical stained-glass windows have survived the Reformation, revolution and in some cities bombing raids carried out by the Luftwaffe.

Currently the Association of English Cathedrals is asking people to choose their favourite from a shortlist of 12 windows highlighting the beauty of ecclesiastical glass, and among these is the Jesse mediaeval window at Wells Cathedral, which dates back to 1340.

The pupils said Jesse Norman was very jolly and polite and listened to everyone.

They said it was a pleasure to meet him and many learnt a lot from him answering their questions.