WORK has begun on a new school building at St David's Primary in Colwinston, which will increase capacity from 140 to 210 places.

The two-storey development, built on the current school site by contractors ISG Construction, will consist of classrooms, a hall for sport and dining, offices, a staffroom and breakout areas.

Within the grounds will be external play areas, trees and flowers will be planted, while state-of-the-art photovoltaic panels will make it one of the first schools to focus on low carbon energy use.

Part of the Council's 21st Century Schools programme, it should be completed by September 2021 and will involve a £4.435 million investment.

That will come from Welsh Government and Section 106 contributions secured by the Council from nearby developments.

The 21st Century Schools programme is a long-term improvement scheme that will see £135 million invested to deliver top-class facilities and ultra-modern learning environments.

A 'topping out' ceremony, a long-held tradition that involves a tree or leafy branch being placed on the topmost wood or iron beam of a building, often with flags and streamers tied to, was recently held at the school.

Cllr Lis Burnett, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration said: "The expansion of St David's Primary will provide pupils with better, more modern facilities that will improve their learning experience. It will also provide additional facilities to meet the anticipated increase in demand for school places.

"This is the latest project in our 21st Century Schools programme, a far-reaching body of work intended to transform educational facilities across the Vale."

Visit the Council's Community Benefits page to learn how the Western Vale Primaries scheme is providing additional benefits to the wider Vale of Glamorgan and discover the in-kind donations and support that's available.