A former Halstead grammar school has been officially reopened as a retirement complex.

The Priory Hall development, in Colchester Road, includes 68 retirement homes and and a 70-bed care home.

It was built on the site of a former girls grammar school, which became a community centre until its closure in 2005.

The old school building, which has been newly refurbished to include eight apartments, a lounge, kitchen, guest suite and managers office, was opened by Halstead mayor David Hume last month.

He said: “I am really pleased that a landmark building important to Halstead has been returned."

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.