THE transfer of the land and buildings of St Lukes and St Phillips CE Primary School from Blackburn with Darwen council to its new academy governing body is under way.

The move follows the borough executive board approving the change earlier this month.

The main buildings, playing fields and surfaced areas of the school on Hancock Street will be handed over to the new governing and academy trust on a 125-year lease for nothing.

The academy, free of council control, is due to start operating on April 1.

The compulsory change follows approval for the new status by Education Secretary Michael Gove in July.

Officials are now completing the necessary paperwork for the transfer.