WORK has begun on a £4.4m education development on a North-East estate.

The site, in Skerne Park, Darlington, includes a primary school, a children's centre, a nursery and adult education facilities.

Councillor John Williams, leader of Darlington Borough Council, and Councillor Chris McEwan, the authority's cabinet member for children's services, carried out a turf- cutting ceremony at the development.

The primary school, for 420 children, is being built on the Skerne Park Junior School site, in Ribble Drive. It is due to open next year.

Next to it will be a nursery offering 52 places and creating 24 jobs and an adult learning centre.

Coun McEwan said: "The new building will benefit the whole community by providing a wide range of services and exciting opportunities."