PUPILS at a Hedge End School can be happy in the knowledge that one of their buildings is given the seal of approval on behalf of a prestigious awards scheme headed by prime minister Tony Blair

A smart new two-storey block for 440 youngsters, fitted with science labs, classrooms and IT facilities has made it to the last 17 of the PM's Better Public Building Awards - and to mark the achievement, architecture commission chiefs will present the school with a commemorative plaque.

The annual award recognises design quality excellence and the new building at the Wildern Lane site in Hedge End, designed by Hampshire County Council and built by HGB Construction, was shortlisted from more than 100 entries from across the UK.

Award judges said: "High standards of school design are what we've come to expect from Hampshire County Council and this building was no exception - well conceived and well delivered."

Regional representative for the Commission of Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), Richard Rose-Casemore will present the plaque to Wildern's headteacher, Jeff Threlfall on Wednesday.