EXTRA school nursery classes are to open after the Easter holidays, offering places to hundreds of youngsters in North Yorkshire.

Kirby Hill CE Primary School, near Boroughbridge, and Barlby Community Primary School, near Selby, are to move to new buildings.

The schools have been provided as part of a private finance initiative scheme.

Kirby Hill school opens after the holiday with 120 places for five to 11-year-olds, and will be offering 26 local three and four-year-olds a nursery place from September. The new-look Barlby school will provide places for 300 children.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, county council executive member for education, said: "We are delighted to be able to offer nursery places to three and four-year-olds in new, purpose-built buildings.

"It will give children an excellent start to their education, and represents a significant commitment by the county council to provide youngsters with the best possible learning environment.