ARCHITECTS have revealed the vision for Burnley's new free school for the first time

Artists' impressions of the proposed Burnley High School buildings were shown to parents and teachers at a public consultation.

The school opened temporarily at Parkhill Business Centre, in Padiham Road, last September, but has since been given permission to demolish the former Habergham High School, in Byron Street.

Around 50 people turned up to the informal public meeting on Monday night, which was hosted by the school's executive principal, Elizabeth Haddock.

Richard Berry, from Manchester firm JM Architects, and the project's design and building co-ordinator, Keith Knott, of Eric Wright Construction, were also present to answer questions.

Paul Thomas, from Burnley High School, said: "The planning permission for the demolition has been granted and we are pushing on with our plans to move to the new site.

"We have entered pre-planning discussions with the council about the new school buildings and this meeting was a chance for people to see what we have in mind for the new building.

"The exhibition showed the design off to parents and prospective parents and we were absolutely delighted with the comments we got.

"The questionnaire feedback will be looked at over the coming days and we will take people's thoughts on board."

Concerns had previously been raised about the stability of the site after a mine shaft was discovered underground, delaying building work.

Further planning permission, for the construction of new classrooms, is due to be submitted to Burnley Council in the next fortnight as school bosses hope to move to the permanent site in September 2016.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Charlie Briggs, who represents Gannow and sits on the school's board of governors, said: "I thought the images looked fantastic. I can't wait for it to be ready.

"It's going to offer children and parents in the town the opportunity to go to a really good, modern school."

The school, run by the charitable Chapel Street Trust, also disclosed plans for its 33 current pupils to use sport and technology facilities at the University Technical College in Trafalgar Street.