Major building work has begun at a Bungay school as it expands to accommodate two new year groups of children.

Bungay Primary School is undergoing a big programme of investment and improvement as part of Suffolk County Council's schools reorganisation programme.

The programme will see the county move from a three-tier system to a two-tier system and the county's middle schools abolished. As a result the school will welcome Year 5 and 6 students in September and these new classrooms will help to accommodate the extra numbers.

The work will see a 1950s two-storey block refurbished and extended to create a new six-classroom Key Stage 2 setting. The extensive works will also see a new link corridor being constructed, a library, ICT suite, refurbished toilets, more playground space and a staff room.

Headteacher Iain Owens said: 'While we already have a wonderful school with well-resourced and stimulating classrooms and learning spaces and a fabulous playground and field, these impressive building works will provide us with an even more fantastic school setting.'

He said the school is likely to have around 225 youngsters next year and will have the potential to take 315 in the future.

'We have been working really hard with Suffolk County Council to ensure we get some really good investment in our site,' he added. 'This is a very happy school which is going from strength to strength. It has got a good reputation and everyone is really excited about this.'

The work began today and is due to be completed in August, ready for when the children and staff return after the summer break.