A VILLAGE primary school in West Devon is celebrating a cash boost which should put an end to overcrowded rooms.

Lewtrenchard School has been awarded more than £80,000 from the Department of Education and Employment which should provide a new classroom and improve existing accommodation at the school.

It is hoped work will begin this summer for completion as soon as possible.

Keith Urro, headteacher at Lewtrenchard School, said: 'This is marvellous news.

'It will enable us to put an end to having children taking tests in the corridor and will help staff build on the progress already made during recent years.'

Mr Urro said the new facilities were the most 'significant and exciting development' at the school since its foundation in 1842 and would provide children with the up-to-date teaching environment they deserved.

He said the school would be meeting with the education authority tomorrow (Friday) to discuss development plans in more detail.

'We will exceed the permitted number of 30 pupils at Key stage 1 in the coming month, so they have to provide extra accommodation for us and, with the growth in the area, we have to look ahead,' said Mr Urro.

He paid tribute to the many 'absolutely marvellous' people who have supported the school over the years.

'Several years ago, they even bought us a field so we could do our school games there,' he said.

Chairman of governors Bob Westlake said: 'We are over the moon about the money — we do work hard and this is just rewards for our efforts.

'We are probably running with about 80 per cent more children than we anticipated — as a result the school has become very over-crowded and over the years we have been trying to get a new classroom.'

Mr Westlake put the extra number of pupils down to being a 'very good school'.

'I think a recent education authority report said something like: "This is a school that knows where it is going",' said Mr Westlake.

He said the Friends of Lewtrenchard School raised almost £10,000 for various improvements and projects during recent years.

'We are fortunate in having so many loyal supporters amongst parents, local personalities, businessmen and residents in our village communities,' said Mr Westlake.