WORK got under way yesterday on a new £500,000 performing arts centre.

Digging equipment moved onto the site of the new block at Belmont School Community Arts College, Durham City, to get construction underway.

The new block will house a dance studio, drama studio, recording studio, music practice rooms and music classroom in what will amount to a mini Fame Academy at the former Belmont Comprehensive School.

Work, expected to be completed by September, in time for the new academic year, is being carried out by Sunderland-based firm JWS Construction (North East) Ltd.

The 780-pupil school was awarded specialist status as a performing arts college just over a year ago, following a three-year fundraising campaign by parents, staff and governors.

The new performing arts block is being built with the money released by the Government following the achievement of specialist status and also donations from local businesses. The facilities will be available for use by the public on evenings.

Headteacher Judith Wilkinson said: "After three years of working extremely hard to achieve specialist school status, we are delighted that work is to finally start on the new build and we look forward to seeing our plans come to fruition."