DEVELOPERS are starting work on a £3.4m primary school to replace an 87-year-old temporary building.

The first turf on the site of the new 120-pupil Kirk Merrington Primary School, near Spennymoor, was cut on March 13.

It will replace the wooden school that was built as a temporary structure back in 1925.

The building, in South View, is outdated and unsuitable for lessons.

Durham County Council agreed the plans and work is expected to be completed by January.

The new building is being built on the same site. The old building will be demolished once it is complete.

Headteacher Helen Williams said: "This is a fantastic opportunity and this is the best thing that could happen.

"The present school is outdated and it's not fit for the 21st century as it's too small and cramped.

"We're looking forward to moving into a brand new school which will make a great deal of difference."

The staff also hope to build on an outstanding Ofsted report recently given to the school.

Kirk Merrington School currently caters for 79 pupils but a further 41, aged four to 11, are to be taken on with the rebuild.

The new structure will include sport and play areas, including a multi-use games area, as the existing facilities tend to become waterlogged.

Councillor Claire Vasey, the county council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, said of the project: "It will enable the delivery of a worldclass 21st Century education for the families of Kirk Merrington."