WORK has started on building a new sports hall at Upper Wharfedale School, in Threshfield.

Work began on digging out the foundations for the hall on Monday and it is expected to take until next summer to complete.

Headteacher Phil Bennington told the Herald: "I am absolutely delighted that work has started at last and I am looking forward to being able to use the sports hall next summer."

Upper Wharfedale School was granted specialist sports school status earlier this year, but first began its bid for new facilities more than three years ago.

Originally, Robert Stead - the then deputy head - looked at the possibility of submitting an application to the Big Lottery Bid to improve the changing facilities.

But the school was encouraged to submit a bid for a sports hall and then to apply for specialist sports school status.

During the next two years the bid was written, support was gained from the local community and plans drawn up.

At the same time the school began to fundraise to reach the £30,000 target it had been set as part of the bid.

It was announced that Upper Wharfedale had been awarded specialist sports status in January this year.

The new status means that the seven local primary schools, as well as Netherside Hall, will be able to take advantage of the new sports facilities on offer.

In addition, the facilities will be available at weekends and on an evening for community groups.

Anyone interested in using the facilities can contact the schools' director of specialism Helen Mukherjee on 01756 752215.

Picture by Stephen Garnett shows, from left to right, Mr Bennington, Mrs Mukherjee and site manager Ged Irving. 47/5/6