LONGPARISH Primary School has been awarded more than £1 million to build a new hall and early years provision.

The cash is part of £52 million secured by Hampshire County Council from the Government to invest in school buildings over the next three years.

The council is borrowing £12 million, will receive a direct grant of £30 million and has received £10.3 million to ensure that priority projects can be completed.

It is a share of this extra funding that will allow the Longparish project to go ahead.

The remaining £42 million approved for Hampshire in the DfES's latest funding allocations will be used for building repair and maintenance work and modernisation for 2004 to 2006.

This will allow projects such as modernising sports halls, developing information technology facilities and major repair and maintenance works in Hampshire's 542 schools most in need.

Cllr Don Allen, the council's executive member for education, said: "This is excellent news for Hampshire, ensuring some major projects can get under way.

"The £42 million announced for the next two years for building and modernisation will en-sure that those schools most in need of improved classrooms or specialist teaching rooms will benefit from the funding."