ONE of the country’s top barristers opened John Hampden Grammar School’s £750,000 expansion last week.

Mark Phillips QC, a former JHGS pupil, opened the school's new buildings, which contain a library, classrooms and extra space for the Sixth Form.

Mr Phillips - a leading commercial and sports law barrister, who has represented clients including Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and F1 driver Lewis Hamilton – was joined at Wednesday’s launch by Scott Waldie and Guy Gardham, the grandsons of Arthur Gardham, the first principal of the school.

Mr Gardham, who was appointed in 1913, won a military cross during the First World War before returning to his duties at the school.

The extension, which was paid for by donations from parents and Buckinghamshire County Council, has a room dedicated to Mr Gardham.