Lord Melvyn Bragg was the guest speaker at the opening of Millom School's new drama studio in 2005.

Returning to his home county, Lord Bragg was collected from Oxenholme Railway Station and driven to the Salthouse Road school by headteacher Les Higgins.

The Melvyn Bragg Studio had been named in honour of the famous Cumbrian writer and broadcaster.

Lord Bragg grew up in the small town of Wigton and said he identified very much with everyday life in Millom.

He unveiled a plaque in the studio and was entertained by performances from students at the school.

Head of Music Celia Garden and school band, Encore, had prepared a musical piece for their guest.

There was also a drama performance called Sea to the West.

This was a dramatisation of three of Normal Nicholson's poems, Coastal Journey, Evacuees and Shadow on Black Combe.

Photographs of the Millom area were projected on to a white banner during the event.

Lord Bragg was a friend of Millom's famous poet Norman Nicholson and enjoyed the performances.

He read an extract from his latest novel, Crossing the Lines, and answered questions from the students.

He presented a copy of the American edition of the book to the school.

Chair of governors at the school Colin Richards gave a vote of thanks to both Lord Bragg and everyone at the school who had worked so hard to organise the event.

In 2006 work started on Millom's new £1.5m sports complex.

The floodlit all-weather pitch and pavilion would be a major resource for Millom School and the community.

Les Higgins, headteacher at Millom School, said the all-weather pitch would become a vital part of community developments at Millom School.

Dee Crawford, head of PE, said: "It will make a considerable difference to the provision of sporting facilities both for the school and the local and wider communities."