Finance Minister Jane Hutt has seen how the refurbishment of Cefn Hengoed Community School has brought huge benefits to the local community.

The Welsh Government is providing £8m grant funding to support the £10m project which will include a refurbished teaching block featuring hi-tech science labs, a range of computer suites and a new flexible library space. The first pupils will be using the new facilities in September 2012.

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Jane Hutt said: "It’s great to see how effectively our Community Benefits policy has been implemented by Swansea Council. Through its own “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” charter they have been very successful in ensuring that contracts and jobs have been given to local people and businesses."

"This is what I want to see across Wales – local people and companies benefiting from all public expenditure. We've got to ensure that for every pound we spend the local economy is supported.

"I hope all public bodies will look at what Cefn Coed Community School has achieved and learn from the good practice they have implemented."

(CD/GK)