THE Countess of Wessex has visited Treloar School and College in Holybourne to open officially the newly-renovated Gauvain House.

The countess, who is Treloar’s royal patron, last visited the campus in September 2015.

Treloar School and College provides education and support to more than 170 students with physical or learning difficulties each year. Treloar’s students have complex and sometimes multiple physical disabilities. They may also have a communication or sensory impairment or associated learning difficulties.

On arrival for the May 25 visit, the countess was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson, and proceeded on a tour of the renovated building, meeting students and staff. Her Royal Highness then met key staff who helped make the project a success and experienced a sensory music session in the sensory lounge.

Treloar’s has expressed grateful thanks to those who gave so generously toward the fundraising appeal which raised nearly £350,000 for the renovation of Gauvain House. One of the backers, SC Johnson, funded the sensory lounge, which is used by the students as a quiet, relaxing area away from the hustle and bustle of the main common room. The lounge is used for a weekly sensory music club which the students were thrilled to be able to demonstrate to their royal visitor.

Gauvain House was one of Treloar’s original 1960s-style buildings. It has been extensively reconfigured and refurbished into 13 en-suite rooms and a large, five-bedded shared flat. The accommodation provides Treloar College students with the ability to gain essential life skills and experience and ensures they make a successful transition when they come to leave Treloar’s.

One of the residents of Gauvain House, 20-year-old Amanda, who has cerebral palsy, special educational needs and moderate learning difficulties, spoke about life in the house.

She said: “I like living in the independence flat as we are working toward making our own meals, with support, next term and getting ready for our life after Treloar’s. My bedroom is very spacious and everything is accessible, including the bathroom, by using the hoist and this really helps me.

“I enjoy living and socialising with others in the house and we also visit other houses.”