Contractor Kier has started renovating two schools in Hartlepool.

Manor College of Technology and Barnard Grove Primary School renovation programmes are part of the coalition government's Priority School Building Programme (PSBP).

Both the schools' are being completely renovated as part of the £2.4 billion programme to rebuild 261 of the schools in England in the worst condition.

Students attending Manor College, a 1,250-capacity mixed secondary school, are set to benefit from a new £14 million 3-storey 'super block' comprising of updated teaching facilities and a specialist block for 30 pupils with learning difficulties. The renovations also include a major refurbishment of the sports hall and a new multi-use games area.

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The new £2.8 million 2-storey building at Barnard Grove Primary School will provide places for 315 pupils, as well as a 26-place nursery.

Schools Minister David Laws said: "The start of construction work at both Manor College and Barnard Grove Primary School marks a key milestone for the Priority School Building Programme and an exciting phase in the development of the schools.

"Delivering great new schools will help to build a stronger economy and a fairer society, so that every young person in Hartlepool can get on in life.

"Vital building work is taking place at schools in the worst state across the country. We are making excellent progress with 6 schools already open and all 261 schools to be completed by the end of 2017."

(CD/MH)