NO child under seven will be in an oversize class by 2002 in Blackburn and Darwen, new council leader Bill Taylor has pledged.

He was speaking at the opening of a new classroom at Edgworth CE/Methodist Primary School. Edgworth, is the latest of a number of borough schools to receive cash for new accommodation in a bid to cut infant class sizes.

Said Councillor Taylor: "As an authority, we are committed to ensure that by 2002 no children under seven are in oversize classes, and this classroom is part of a programme of new buildings in the borough to make this happen."

The new classroom scheme is part of the Government's Key Stage One Initiative, whose aim is to ensure that pupils starting school in future years are in classes of no more than 30.

"To date, in Blackburn with Darwen, we have received funding from the Government for 18 new KS1classrooms, which have all now been built and are in use by schools across the borough."

The room will provide a high-quality teaching environment for all pupils at the school.