Pupils from Trellech Primary School cut the ribbon to officially open the village's new £1.1million surgery last week.

The ceremony, which took place last Thursday (10th May), marked the end of seven months of construction work and eight years since plans for the new Trellech Surgery were first drawn up.

Twenty-three Year 2 pupils, who had been visiting the surgery site each week to learn about construction techniques, cut the ribbon watched by GP Dr Rowena Christmas and David Hartshorne, chief operating officer for developers Abbey House (pictured above).

Rev Sandra Howells led a prayer and blessed the new surgery.

In an emotional speech, Dr Christmas thanked everyone for coming to the opening.

"We've anticipated this day for so long at the Wye Valley Practice," she said.

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"It was eight years ago we first sat down with the plans for this place. The old surgery was lovely, but a little on the small side.

"I've learned that patience and grim determination are what's needed to get through the complications and legal barriers involved in a project like this.

"The new building is wonderful, the view from it is wonderful.

"I would like to thank my wonderful team, who have put their heart and soul into this project, and my practice manager Helen (Richards)."

The surgery, which along with its sister practice in St Briavels has more than 4,200 registered patients, has a nurse, phlebotomist, two dispensers and two receptionists as well as the GP Dr Christmas.

"We have so much space now, the disabled access is great and people don't have to cross that dangerous main road to get to us any more," Dr Christmas told the Beacon.

"We will continue to provide a traditional general practice service but hopefully in the future we will be able to add even more services."

Trellech headteacher Steve King said: "It is great the children have been able to see this through from the very start."

Year 2 teacher Dee Miles said the pupils had visited the surgery site every Monday, keeping a close eye on construction and learning about the various eco systems put in place.

"You can have all the DVDs, leaflets and textbooks but there is no substitute for first-hand experience," she said.