THE start of work on a £3.2m village school was marked by a special ceremony yesterday.

Middleton St George Primary School, near Darlington, was devastated by an arson attack which destroyed much of the building in February, 2003.

Education chiefs responded by announcing plans for a new 315-place school, which will be known as St George's Church of England Aided Primary School.

Work on the project began yesterday, with a turf-cutting ceremony attended by staff from the school and senior figures from the borough council.

Work on the building is expected to be completed by the end of November, with pupils moving into their new surroundings shortly afterwards.

Facilities on the site of the new school will include a 30-place nursery, sports facilities and a multi-use games area.