WORK is well under way on an £800,000 scheme to improve facilities at a Skipton school.

Five new classrooms will be provided at Aireville School to relieve some of the pressure being caused by increasing rolls. There will also be new special needs facilities, an office and a staff room.

The language department will move into the new block allowing the conversion of three classrooms into state-of-the-art science laboratories. Special attention is also being placed on access for disabled people.

Phase one of the school expansion was completed last year when 10 new classrooms were built for maths, English and information technology.

The work is being funded mainly by North Yorkshire County Council's education service and has allowed the removal of temporary classrooms.

Councillor Chris Metcalfe, the county council's executive member for education, said: "This work is typical of our drive to provide top quality accommodation for North Yorkshire children.

"It is part of our agenda for raising standards, which is seeing £35 million spent on schools throughout the county. The county council is committed to providing top class facilities in North Yorkshire schools."

Headteacher David Croll said: "The growth in numbers is partly down to demographics and partly through parental choice. I think this will make a significant difference to the efficiency of the school.

"Housing subject teachers together brings a new department ethos and means they can share their experiences. There is a definite effect on children when they are taught in bright, new surroundings and maintenance costs are lower so we can devote more money to resources. I'm extremely pleased."

The scheme has been designed by the county council's in-house architects, in close collaboration with governors, who are contributing to the funding.

Allerton Construction of Leeds is carrying out the work, which is due for completion by Christmas.

At nearby Cross Hills, similar pressure on accommodation at South Craven School has prompted the Education Service to invest £500,000 next year in four extra science laboratories, which will boost facilities at a time when it is enjoying technology college status.

Meanwhile, at Upper Wharfedale School, in Threshfield, the county council is planning to provide six new classrooms at a cost of £500,000.

Other school building work in the area includes a major project at Ermysted's School, Skipton, which, because of its voluntary aided status, is being carried out with grant aid from the Government.

The £1 million project will provide new technology facilities expected to be ready for the start of the 2003/4 academic year in September.

At nearby St Stephen's Catholic Primary School a 150-place replacement building and new nursery are being built which are expected to be completed by May 2004.

Cynthia Welbourn, North Yorkshire's director of education, said: "With increasing rolls it is vital to respond to the changing needs of schools. Securing funding for replacement accommodation is very difficult.

"But we have recognised the importance of re-housing pupils in appropriate surroundings and are delighted that we are now able to achieve this."