DARLINGTON'S Hummersknott Academy has announced the appointment of a contractor which is starting work on a £1.3m upgrade of the school’s facilities.

Turney Wylde Construction Limited, a Wallsend based company, is starting work on the development of a two-storey extension, which will provide additional space for teaching with the creation of seven new classrooms and an office suite.

The additional classrooms will include facilities for students with Special Educational Needs and a canopied bistro area in an existing courtyard for students and community groups seeking meeting space and extra seating for students at lunchtimes.

The academy is investing £400,000 in the new facilities with a further £877,683 coming from the Education Funding Agency, which amounts to a total investment of £1.3m.

Pat Howarth, the executive principal at Hummersknott Academy, said: “I am delighted that we can get started on this exciting project, which will further improve existing facilities.

“The new development will benefit both staff and students as more teaching space will be created, and the bistro area will provide a relaxing environment during recreational times and a useful place for meetings and other events.”

Ken Parkin, managing director of Turney Wylde, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to work on this major investment in Hummersknott Academy’s facilities. It’s an exciting job and one that will bring many tangible benefits to the school community.”