WORK to expand a village primary school is now officially underway.

The project at De Vere Primary School in Castle Hedingham, funded by Essex County Council, will create 70 extra places.

Two new classrooms are being built, along with a new all-weather play area, while the existing school hall and office areas will also be extended.

The work officially got underway on March 24.

Ray Gooding, Essex County Councillor responsible for education, said: “We are committed to ensuring young people in Essex receive the best possible education.

“Our strong track record of investment in new school places has meant the vast majority of Essex pupils are offered a place at one of their parents’ preferred schools.

“We understand that more places are still needed and have allocated more than £300million for creating about 13,000 new school places over the next three years.

“That figure includes about 2,200 more places for the new academic year and I am delighted works are underway on exciting projects such as this one.”

Shelley Jones, headteacher at de Vere Primary School, said: “The children, staff and governors are thrilled that this project is finally underway.

“The children are excited and are already enjoying watching their school transform."