A new free school has been given the green-light needed to open in September.

IES Breckland will take over the Breckland Middle School site in Brandon after being given final approval by the Department for Education.

School's inspectorate Ofsted has also given its permission following an inspection this week.

The school's principal, Sherry Zand, said: 'This is fantastic news and a real tribute to all the hard work that has been put into this project by all involved thus far. 'Onwards and upwards.'

IES Breckland will open its doors to pupils aged between 11 and 14 for the first time on September 10, expanding to 16-year-olds in two years.

• An exhibition on July 26, will give people the chance to see how the school buildings will look when refurbished.

The proposals, which have been drawn up by project architects Pick Everard, will be shown at the Brandon House Hotel, High Street, Brandon, from 3pm until 7pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information about the school and how to apply visit the website at www.breckland.iesschools.co.uk