CHEERS went up around a village as residents and former pupils congregated to see Homefield School demolished.

Bournemouth-based developers Quantum organised a special event for residents, parish councillors and borough councillors to mark the beginning of 18 months of work at the site to transform it into a 64-bed care home and 29 independent living units.

The school, which closed suddenly in 2005 nearly £1million in debt, has been ravaged by vandals over the years, and on Wednesday night was the target of a suspected arson attack on an outbuilding.

Champagne and canapés were served as residents watched Burton Parish Council chairman Judy Jamieson take the first chunk out of the building fronting the site.

While the middle Regency block will remain, the wings and other buildings on site are to be removed.

The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Sue Spittle, also took a turn on the controls of the earthmover while applause rippled through the group watching the rundown building get smashed apart.

Mrs Jamieson said: “I think it’s a great occasion and long-awaited by the villages of Winkton and Burton.

“It will make such a difference to the entrance of our village. It’s wonderful.”

Resident Bridget Blackwood said: “Anything is better than this.

“After the fire we just want them to get on with it. It will make a difference to the village. I think the neighbours are extremely relieved.”

Simon Hammond from Quantum added: “For seven years these residents have lived with this eyesore as it slowly got ripped to pieces by vandals.

“Now they can look forward to something quite different and we are delighted to be able to do this for them.

“It is all systems go now and we can say goodbye to the horror that is Homefield School.”