ALMOST £1 million is being pumped into Darwen schools this year to give them a 'much-needed' facelift.

Darwen Moorland High School and Darwen Vale are to be the main benefactors of the government money, receiving £200,000 and £300,000 respectively.

Cladding and replacement window work will be carried out at Moorland's, and window and roofing repairs at Vale.

Avondale Primary School will receive £180,000 for rewiring, and £135,000 will be spent on the roof at Sudell Primary School.

Councillor Dave Smith, Sunnyhurst ward, said: "It is part of the government's plan to put massive amounts of money into repairing schools.

"We need to make sure that schools are in the best possible condition for pupils and this is obviously a very important thing for Darwen.

"Improving the buildings will also restore a lot of pride for people who work within the schools."