A SCHOOL has renamed one of its buildings to remember a pupil who lost her life in a fire.

Three sisters – Gemma, 12, Miriam 10, and Delia Acheson, five – died in a tragic blaze at the vicarage in Chilmark in March 1989.

Press reports from the time say the ‘inferno’ broke out in the five-bedroom house around 4am.

The girls' parents, the rev Malcolm Acheson and Pauline, both escaped with their brother Joseph, seven, and their grandparents, who were visiting from Yorkshire.

They were taken to Odstock Hospital in Salisbury to be treated for smoke inhalation, but attempts to reach the sisters and subsequent resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Delia was a pupil at Chilmark Fonthill Bishop Primary School, where a tree was planted in her memory.

But this was “sadly lost” in the early 2000s, when construction began on a school hall, which is still standing – and has now been given a new name.

A school spokesperson said: “The building work resulted in a new hall, which is very much the heart of the school today.

“After consultation with Delia’s family, the wider community and the school council, it was decided to rename the school hall as the Delia Hall.

“The right reverend Dr Andrew Rumsey, bishop of Ramsbury, visited the school to lead a service of reflection and remembrance when a new plaque was unveiled.

“Delia’s brother Joseph, who was also a former pupil, attended the service and played the piano, and worship leaders from Year 6 assisted bishop Andrew during the service.

“It was a moving occasion and comforting to know that Delia’s memory will live on in Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary School.”