DELIGHTED youngsters broke into cheers when plans for their new school took another symbolic step forward.

Pupils watched the first turf being cut on the site of a new Grewelthorpe Church of England Primary School, near Ripon in North Yorkshire, which overlooks the 126-year-old cramped building it will replace.

The turf cutting was performed by Reverend Matthew Evans, curate at St. James's Church, Grewelthorpe.

Headteacher Vanessa Oldfield said the children were now expecting the school to appear very quickly.

"It will be some time yet before we get the new school, certainly a bit longer than the children believe, but it was another step forward with the project," she said.

Governors and staff held the ceremony because equipment to carry out a ground survey was on site.

More than 40 pupils let out a resounding cheer when the first piece of turf was cut.

The scheme has been spearheaded by governors, staff, parents and the community. They decided on a go-it-alone policy to reduce the waiting time for new premises. In addition to county council money, funds have also been raised locally for the £410,000.

Governors have already secured outline planning permission from North Yorkshire County Council. A detailed application is due to be considered soon.