A NEW classroom is well on the way for a Darlington school.

In September, Dorman Long Construction, a division of Cleveland Bridge in Darlington, gave a unique £15,000 steel framework classroom to Gurney Pease primary school in Dodsworth Street.

In just over six weeks, the children have watched the project grow from a giant Meccano set to a classroom that may be ready by Christmas.

Hopes are high that pupils can begin the new term in style.

Darlington borough council has funded the construction costs and the fixtures and fittings.

Moving in will be reception teacher Mrs Carol Hollis and her band of excited youngsters.

"It's our Christmas present," she said. "As an old school, Gurney Pease has a lot of old high windows but this classroom will be nice and light and the young children can see out of them."

Mr Graham Ellis, general manager for Dorman Long, said: "We are delighted with this opportunity to work in a public/private partnership with the education department and use the innovative, lightweight steel frame manufactured by our sister company Dorman Long Cold Form."