The Government has announced work is underway on three schools as part of its priority school building programme (PSBP).

The schools are among 31 across the North-East which will be rebuilt or refurbished as part of the £2.4 billion scheme.

• Prudhoe Primary School, Newcastle, will benefit from a new two storey building including a four-court community sports hall for 883 pupils. The £14.6 million programme is due to be completed by early 2017.

• Whitehouse Primary School, also in Newcastle, will receive a two storey building for 210 pupils through its £3.1 million building plan. Work is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2016.

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• St Joseph RCVA Primary School in Durham will be the recipient of a new single storey building for 155 pupils. The £2.1 million development aims to be finished by summer 2016.

Schools Minister Lord Nash said: "As part of our long-term economic plan we are investing in school buildings across the country, so we can transform the learning environment for tens of thousands of pupils and their teachers while delivering value for money for the taxpayer.

"The start of construction work at Prudhoe High School, Whitehouse Primary School and St Joseph RCVA Primary School marks a key milestone for the Priority School Building Programme in Durham and Newcastle."

The PSBP was established in 2011 to address the needs of those schools in the worst condition across the country.

(LM)