A £500,000 extension to Whitchurch Primary School has been welcomed as a "really positive" move by delighted headteacher Remus Sawyerr.

It is hoped work on the extension, which will result in the provision of two reception classrooms and an ITC suite, along with the removal of a temporary classroom, will start in the spring and be completed by the autumn of next year.

Approval for the scheme has been given by Hampshire County Council leader Cllr Ken Thornber, and Mr Sawyerr, said: "It's a really positive thing for Whitchurch. It means the families of Whitchurch will now not have to fight so much to get a place in their local school."

In contrast to what is happening at many other primary schools in the county, where there are falling school rolls, numbers are rising at Whitchurch and the extension will create 60 extra places to meet demand from the growth within its catchment area.

"It's good news all round," said Mr Sawyerr, when told by The Gazette that the scheme had been approved.

He said the school had 340 pupils at the moment, with the number predicted to go up to 380. Not only would there be more capacity to take children in the reception classes, but there would be room to take older children moving into the area.

The school is contributing £67,000 towards the cost of the project, which will also include two toilets, a caretaker's store and a partly-covered play area.

Doors from the two new classrooms will open onto the play area and a ramp will link this area to the existing playground, allowing parents to collect and deliver their children directly to the classrooms.

Cllr Thornber said: "This extension is wonderful news for this popular school and will ensure that Whitchurch Primary School pupils will have access to the very best facilities."