PENDLE county councillors have welcomed then recently-completed first phase of major improvements at Nelson's Marsden primary school.

Councillors Colin Waite and Ken Spence made a special visit to see for themselves work carried out on what will be a £1million project.

The two-year scheme at the Bradshaw Street school will include improvements to the existing junior buildings and the demolition of another building to make more room in the playground.

Coun Waite said: "I am pleased at the progress at the school which is an integral part of Nelson."

Although the school is one of the largest in the borough it has seen the number of pupils almost halved in the last ten years.

Governors said the improvements will make Marsden an improved, compact school with an improved environment for future pupils.