WORK ON Cheriton Fitzpaine's new £4 million primary school will start next week.

On September 7, workers will start to clear the site near White Cross, after which the construction of the new school will begin.

The school is due to be completed in October 2010.

Pupils and staff at Cheriton Fitzpaine are very excited about moving to the new school.

The £4m development will replace the current 17th century, outdated building.

Headteacher Wendy Harris commented: "Although we have a nice-looking building, it's very impractical for 21st century education.

"The new school will make a fantastic difference to the way we're able to operate."

Devon's cabinet member for schools and skills, Christine Channon, said: "Devon County Council is injecting more than £180 million into the local economy over the next two years in a major programme of school building.

"I am delighted that we are able to provide a purpose-built new school for the children of Cheriton Fitzpaine who have been campaigning for many years to have their outdated buildings replaced.

"The investment we are making in Cheriton Fitzpaine and throughout the county in new school buildings will also benefit many local businesses as we do our utmost to help Devon shake off the recession.

"Obviously, many people in the building trade will be employed on these projects but there are also the wholesalers and suppliers of all the materials we need.

"And every pound that is injected into the economies of our towns and villages has a knock on effect for many more businesses."

Local county councillor Michael Lee said: "I have long campaigned for a new school for Cheriton Fitzpaine and I am delighted it is one of the first projects on which we have been able to start work.

"The school has done extremely well in its old buildings, but I look forward to the children and staff going from strength-to-strength when they are able to move into their new school, purpose-built for 21st century learning."