PLANS to teach Rossendale sixth form students in a pub due to a shortage in class space have been scrapped.

Education bosses have agreed instead to fund more classrooms at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Glen Road, Waterfoot.

Around 180 pupils had faced the prospect of moving to the Jolly Sailor pub for lessons.

But Lancashire County Council planning chiefs announced they will stump up the cash for three double temporary rooms now the sixth form has more than 500 pupils, compared to just 120 in 1989.

And headteacher Martyn Morris said he expects they will be ready within the next four weeks.

Mr Morris blamed the sixth form's expansion on the closure of Accrington and Rossendale College's Rawtenstall campus.

He added: "The county council has given us the go-ahead to provide temporary classrooms.

"Each will take 30 pupils, which will be a massive improvement. teaching methods have changed. Once upon a time pupils could have been crammed into a room but we can't do that now.

"It's a relief for both teachers and pupils as being taught in a pub is not an ideal situation."

He added: "We are hoping the extension building will be done within the next two years but it's still in the early planning stages."

Plans have been drawn up to build a new £2million wing, creating three science laboratories, three technology rooms and four classrooms, and work could start as soon as next January if planning permission is granted.

The school was built in 1913 and started with just 365 pupils - but now houses 1,220 youngsters.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "Our education team is working closely with the school to alleviate their accommodation problems.

"We will be providing them with temporary classroom units to help them on a short-term basis. We are in talks with planners for a brand new £2million teaching block.

"We are also working closely with the school on their plans for a new sports hall."