WORK is under way on a £2m extension at The Grange Junior School, Hartford.

The building of the two-storey facility in Bradburns Lane began at the start of the new school year, and is expected to be completed within 12 months.

A sod-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the construction work took place earlier this month.

The ‘ground-breaking’ job was done by the school’s youngest pupils, Dillon Heritage-Watson from Northwich and Thea Smith from Norley.

The four-year-olds are among the school’s 450 pupils who will soon be benefiting from new features including:

An indoor sports hall big enough for two badminton courts or a five-a-side football pitch.

Science and language laboratories.

A music wing with practice and performance rooms.

An art and design studio.

“We have so many extracurricular activities here that it can be a little crowded at times,” said headteacher Stephen Bennett. “This development will allow us to really spread our wings.

“The children and staff are extremely excited – we have great plans for how we’re going to make maximum use of the new facilities.”

The extension is being built by Middlewich-based Pochin Construction.

Managing director Jonathan Pochin said: “We are proud to play a fundamental part in improving the junior school’s existing services.

“The new building will house some extremely impressive facilities and help reinforce The Grange’s standing as one of the region’s top schools.”