A new secondary school in Ingleby Barwick can now be built after planning was approved by The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The decision was recovered by the government after Stockton Borough Council refused permission for the new school and 350 houses on the site.

Local MP James Wharton, who has campaigned for a new school for seven years and backs the free school proposal, said: “This is brilliant news for Ingleby Barwick and means the biggest hurdle in the way of our new school has now been overcome. I hope this important investment can be delivered in good time to benefit parents and pupils."