CONSTRUCTION work to create new facilities at a Barnoldswick primary school is due to start this week.

A ramp access to Coates Lane Primary, in Kirkstall Drive, is nearing completion and work on a classroom extension is expected to start soon.

The extension will create extra space for pupils in the reception class and provide a secure outdoor area for additional activities and is expected to be finished and ready to use by the start of the next school year in August.

The ramp has been paid for by Access funds from Lancashire County Council and other work is being paid for by the school itself from various funds.

Play areas for sand and water will be included in the extended classroom along with storage space.

The extension comes two years after a new £150,000 junior school was created in response to a doubling of pupil numbers in a decade.

Headteacher Sue Holloway said: "The children have been enjoying watching all the various equipment at work." She explained that the extension would allow younger pupils at the school to take full advantage of the curriculum by taking part in a wider range of activities.

She said: "Everyone is looking forward to the extension. Part of the curriculum is that children learn by doing a variety of activities and we are lucky to have the space to extend and give them room to do that.

"The play area will have a locked gate and will provide space for children to take part in outdoor activities. There will even be room to store bicycles.

"As our year starts in August some of our youngest are only three, so they can even spend playtimes in the new space until they are ready to mix with the older infants."