THE news that 10 schools across East Lancashire are to share £100million for refurbishment and rebuilding work is extremely welcome.

The money will be spent replacing outdated and temporary classrooms, some more than 30 years old, as well as providing new teaching blocks with the very latest facilities.

Yesterday headteachers were naturally delighted with the windfall and planning just how they would spend their share.

Already they have seen the good that extra investment in our schools can bring.

Just a few years ago, £250million was secured from the Building Schools for the Future fund to rebuild schools across Burnley and Pendle.

Since the rebuilding, results have begun to improve and many youngsters have said they enjoy going to school more.

Providing well built schools, along with good equipment, is a key way of helping children attain all they should.

The area’s schools need 21st Century facilities and our children deserve the best we can offer them.

Now the county council needs to make sure the improvement plans get under way as soon as possible.

It is to be hoped that local tradesmen and women will also benefit from this large windfall, with the improvement schemes providing much needed work during the recession.