A SCHOOL that lost its gym hall in an arson attack plans to reopen a bigger and better version later this year.

A blaze ripped through Hermitage Comprehensive School's sports centre, just off Waldridge Lane, Chester-le-Street, in November 2001.

The gym collapsed when the fire took hold, causing roughly £1m worth of damage.

Almost all the school's sports equipment was destroyed, including trampolines, gym equipment, football and hockey nets, as well as computers and administrative equipment.

Now proposals for a new sports hall have been submitted to Chester-le-Street District Council's planning department, which headteacher Ian Robertson said should be ready in time for the new school year.

He said the school's insurance should cover the cost of most of the work.

He said: "The construction company that has been awarded the contract will move on site this term and the plan is to have children using the brand new, state-of-the-art sports hall in September 2003.

"It's going to be bigger and better, a total replacement."

Ever since the fire, PE lessons have taken place in the school hall, which limits the range of sports students can play.

Temporary changing rooms have also been created.

But headteacher Ian Robertson said despite this setback, the PE department has enjoyed a successful year.

"The PE department has worked wonders. Their results over the last 12 months have been outstanding, some of the best in the country.

"They've secured a Sports Mark Award and the school teams and individuals have succeeded at county and regional levels."

The new building will be created on the site of the original sports hall and should be open to students and the community in September.