A topping-out ceremony marked the completion of the roof of a new sports hall at a village school.

But instead of the traditional toast with beer, pupils helped contractors bury a time capsule reflecting the life and times of the 105-year-old South Moreton Primary School, near Didcot.

Headteacher Keith Eaton said: "The capsule contains a school sweatshirt, a mug with the school badge, a prospectus, a history of the school and other items including a CD-rom with children's activities."

Work began on the hall in August and project co-ordinator Mike Wigg said they hoped the building would be completed in January.

It will provide space for a range of activities from indoor sports to assemblies and school plays - as well as being available for hire for village events.

Mr Eaton said that despite additions to the main building over the years, the original Victorian school hall was too cramped for the present-day needs of the 130 pupils, who live in South Moreton, the surrounding villages and Didcot.

Parent governor Dr David Ebbs said Ofsted inspectors had criticised the lack of space for activities, including PE.

The school has raised much of the £330,000 cost of the project with the help of donations from villagers as well as gifts from industry and businesses in the area.

Dr Ebbs, who is in charge of fundraising, said they had secured £130,000 from the Government and the school and parents were still organising fundraising events.

"We now need a final push to raise nearly £30,000 it will cost to fit out the hall," Dr Ebbs added.

"Firms in the area have been generous. Bearing in mind our catchment area for pupils includes Didcot, we're hoping there may be companies in the town who will help us. We hope we will not have to borrow money."