A Hornchurch secondary school and construction company celebrated a milestone moment of a year-long project with a topping-out ceremony.

Davis Construction attended Emerson Park Academy's new building in Wych Elm Road to celebrate the installation of the final piece.

The ritualistic moment was marked with a tour around the site, attended by headteacher Scott McGuinness, head girl Imogen Newton-Ford, head boy Seth Wylie, chairman of governors John Luff, and various other school representatives.

Speaking about the exciting new venture, Mr McGuinness said: "This new block will provide our pupils with a great platform from which they can continue to learn effectively. We are very pleased with the way project has progressed and Davis Construction have been great partners in this venture."

The £2.1million project will include new nine classrooms and ancillary offices.

Tom Davis, managing director of Davis Construction, said: "We are very proud to have been part of the venture at Emerson Park.

"We feel it is important to work closely with the school involved, and we make the most of every opportunity we get to share with them the progress made.

"It's good to see the positive reaction and we continue to push the project in the right direction as we bring their vision to life."