DEMOLITION work on old classrooms at Holy Trinity Church of England School in Darwen will be complete by the time pupils return from their summer break.

The first brick of the new building will be put in place in January, marking the end of a ten-year campaign by parents, staff and governors.

A structural survey revealed that part of the school, which dates back to 1861, had major defects caused by gradual movement over the years.

It was closed and temporary mobile classrooms were installed.

A cash injection of £1.5million for the scheme was granted in spring as part of the Government's New Deal programme.

Councillor Jack Peet, vice chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council's school standards sub committee, said: "The school has worked in partnership with members and officers over that last 12 months in order to resolve this issue.

"The demolition of the old school and the construction of the new building marks the end of one era and the start of another in the life of the school, the governors, staff and pupils."

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