A SCHOOL has bought a popular city sculpture in memory of the headteachers beloved husband.

Kempsey Primary School, near Worcester, has introduced their newest edition, Girafficus, to the community during its official opening of a new building block.

The expansion block, named The Height, has created three new classrooms for the school.

The Bishop of Worcester, John Inge, blessed the sculpture while launching the new facility.

Girafficus was bought in memory of Reverend Matthew Baynes, who died on September 28.

Mr Baynes was the husband of the headteacher, Bryony Baynes. Mr Inge worked with Mr Baynes and they were close friends.

He told the school during the celebration: “It’s a great delight for me to bless the new member of the school, Girafficus, and to open The Height.

“As Girafficus is dedicated to my friend and colleague, Mathew, I am going to prey that all the students will be able to walk tall and be reminded of him by the giraffe.

“Mathew spent his life loving people, caring for people and encouraging them to walk tall as he believed that was what God wanted.”

The school’s community gathered together to raise funds to purchase the giraffe from the Worcester Stands Tall auction, in dedication to Mr Baynes.

Their target was to reach £5000, however in total £6,670 was raised.

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, cut the ribbon to celebrate the launch and blessing of Girafficus.

She said: “I was delighted to join Bishop John and Bryony to celebrate the arrival of Grafficus and the brand new teaching block.

“The building adds three new classrooms and will make a huge difference to the school.

“It’s always great to visit our local primary schools and so heartening to see the great work being carried out by Bryony and her team.

“The statue is a wonderful tribute to Bryony’s late husband, Matthew, and it’s a fitting tribute to his contribution to Worcestershire.”