A POPULAR Primary School in Bridgwater is to benefit from four classroom extensions and a bigger and better playground thanks to a £1m project.

St. Mary’s Primary School in Oakfield Road told the Mercury designs for their new facilities have now been approved, and work has already started, with a new car park.

A brand new playground will be built during the October half term and pupils from the School Council have quizzed bosses at Somerset County Council about the project.

Headteacher Mary-Jane Collington said: “The children have been asking lots of questions and the council was very impressed.

“We have worked closely with Somerset County Council to ensure children receive optimum benefits from the project, with no impact on the school’s budget.

“The Local Authority has agreed to construct a new playground, which will be much bigger, better and safer than the existing one.

“St Mary’s is already oversubscribed, with over 60 parents putting us as their first choice. The project will help accommodate the growing local need and we hope to take 60 students next year.”

The final phase of the project, which also includes construction of new toilets, cloakrooms, office and group rooms, will see the main building work start around Christmas.

The classroom extensions will be built on the school’s huge field, but will not take away too much space.

Gabby, 9, said: “It’s really exciting for the school. The fact that we will be a big school means we will have lots more children to play with.”