A special ceremony has marked the start of main construction works of the new multi-million pound Pimperne CE VC Primary School.

Four current pupils and Len Vincent, who attended the school in 1935, were invited to 'cut the turf' on the new school site, based on the edge of Pimperne on land next the village hall.

To be built by main contractor ISG, the £3.9m building will provide single-storey accommodation for pupils aged 5 to 11 and will include classrooms, a multi-use hall and outdoor hard and soft play areas.

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The primary school was established in 2005 in the premises of the former Pimperne CE VC First School, following a change of the education system in Blandford from three- to two-tier.

A detailed study by Dorset County Council found the existing building could not be extended or replaced on the current site to accommodate the two additional year groups, so the council decided to replace the school on a new site in the village.

Dorset Property, part of the county council, has worked with the school to design a flexible and sustainable building that will sit well within the village of Pimperne.

The school is due to be completed in spring 2015.

(CD/JP)