A FORMER solider, who lost his legs in a roadside bomb in Afghanistan and represented Team GB at the Paralympic Games, officially opened a school in Kingsbury.

Fijian-born, Derek Derenalagi, 39, who threw discus for Great Britain in the London 2012 Paralympic Games cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the Village School, Grove Park.

The £29 million building was opened on Friday .

The school is Brent Council’s largest ever investment in special educational needs provision with purpose-built facilities for over 230 children and young people aged two to 19, with complex learning difficulties and disabilities, as well as facilities and work-related learning for the local community.

Head teacher, Kay Johnson, said: “This wonderful building reflects all of what we asked for and more. It’s the result of an exceptional consultation process and the passion and determination from everyone who was involved in the project to deliver the best possible provision for our pupils. We are particularly honoured to have Derek open our amazing building; he is such a fine role model for our pupils. They have an excellent track record in disability sports competitions so having him here means the world to them.”

Facilities at the school include a large performing arts centre and assembly hall with music, art and drama facilities, a sports hall, MUGA multi-use games area and woodland walk, sensory, soft play and calm rooms, a pool with hydrotherapy facilities and sensory equipment, a dedicated office and treatment space for occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech and language therapists and a café and a shop, which pupils help to run.

On the same site is a specialist short break centre for families of children with disabilities, which was opened by the Paralympic medallist and TV presenter Ade Adepitan in May 2013.