A £3.8M science block at Marlborough School, in Woodstock, was officially declared open on Monday, and has been dedicated to the memory of Oxfordshire county councillor Brian Hodgson, who died in 2007 after a short illness.

He had been governor at the school for 28 years and his three sons — Daniel, Steve and Bob — also attended the school.

Son Daniel Hodgson spoke at the ceremony.

He said: “It is such an appropriate tribute to dad that this building is dedicated to him as was so passionate about education.”

The block has eight purpose-built rooms and research and ICT seminar areas.

Headteacher Julie Fenn said: “This new science faculty with its well equipped laboratories and state-of-the-art ICT and research facilities will help students to feel like scientists as soon as they enter the building.”

The facilities will also be made available to the local primary school to enjoy practical science lessons.

It was opened by Prof Peter Dobson, director of Begbroke Science Park, and was blessed by the Bishop of Dorchester the Rt Rev Colin Fletcher.