WORK on the multi-million pound development at King Edward V11 and Queen Mary Schools, Lytham is under way.

When complete, the complex will house a new junior school, 11 new teaching rooms for senior students, changing rooms for girls and a specially designed dining room and kitchens.

Work on turning the vision into reality will be completed by July next year, ready for operation at the start of the new academic year in September.

All 700 pupils will then be housed on the King Edward site.

Chairman of the Governors of the Lytham Schools' Foundation John Bennett described the start of the work as an historic moment for the school.

"This is just the first phase of a building and refurbishment scheme which will provide exceptional facilities for present and future generations of pupils," he said.

"It is the realisation of a vision for governors, pupils, staff and parents and is a very exciting moment in our history."

Students are delighted, too, that the gardens and playing fields are to be retained.

Head girl Phebe Cassidy said: "We all like the sense of space at our school and I like the design of the new buildings very much. They match the elegant style of the original Edwardian building and will be landscaped to retain the openness of the site."

The nine month project starts with the construction of a new access road and the demolition of the 1948 dining room long criticised for its ugly post war style.

The development has been designed by Mellors Architects of Preston and the work is being carried out by Pinington Construction, Lancaster.