Epping Forest MP Dame Eleanor Laing met staff and students when she visited the new Tower School in Epping High Street.

The independent special school caters for children aged 11-18 with a primary diagnosis of autism. 

Dame Eleanor was escorted on a tour of the school, which opened in late April, by headteacher Kerry Linden.

She met a number of staff including Head of Education Danny Neville who spoke to her about the school's curriculum before joining pupils in their Food Technology lesson.

Dame Eleanor said: "I was delighted to be able to visit The Tower School and meet the staff and students who are already making great use of their new surroundings.

"The school offers fantastic educational opportunities for young people with autism, and it is great to have such facilities here in Epping."

She added: "I was particularly pleased to hear about the school's special educational needs provision, and to sample some of the sweet pizza specially created by the students!"