POP music mogul Pete Waterman has officially unveiled a £21 million state-of-the-art school.

The former Stock, Aitken and Waterman producer was at the opening of Sir William Stanier Community School, in Crewe.

He was joined at yesterday's launch by fellow guest of honour, The Duke of Westminster.

The school, which can cater for up to 1,050 pupils, opened for business this month.

It stands on the site of the former Coppenhall High School and replaces that and Victoria Community Technology School, which amalgamated in 2007.

And, after having a guided tour of the facilities, Mr Waterman said he was amazed at what he had seen.

He said: "Times have changed a lot since I was at school.

"I was educated in an old Victorian building, which wasn't the most pleasant of places.

"If I had come to a school like this, I probably would have turned up more than I did.

"Education is about learning in a fun and enjoyable environment and the children at this school definitely have that here."

The Duke unveiled a plaque as he marked the occasion, while train buff Mr Waterman also gave a speech on Crewe's railway heritage – the new school is named after a railway pioneer.

The eco-friendly school has been built to be a sustainable, low-carbon model, designed to have as small an environmental footprint and impact as possible.

Up to 70 per cent of water can be saved by the school's washing facilities and toilets, while rainwater-collecting tanks reduce the need for mains water use.

And all the new classrooms are equipped with interactive white boards and ICT equipment.

Edward Timpson, Crewe and Nantwich MP, who was also at the opening, said: "I was shown around here when the skeleton of the building had just been put up and it's great to come back now.

"This school is a brilliant facility and will go a long way towards the successful education of generations of children to come."

Pupils at the school have given their new seat of learning the thumbs up.

Bradley Smith, aged 15, from Crewe, said: "All the pupils are excited by the new school."

Erin Thomas, aged 15, from Crewe, said: "It's good having all of the classrooms and facilities under one roof, instead of having to walk to other buildings."

And Joshua Rowley, aged 15, from Crewe, said: "It's a great environment to learn in."

Councillor Paul Findlow, Cheshire East Council portfolio holder for children and families, said: "This is not just the construction of a superb new building, but the creation of a new learning environment where all pupils are encouraged to reach their potential."

The project will be completed in 2010 when a community pre and after-school facility will open its doors. It will include sports, health and leisure facilities and a community police base.