A THRIVING village school has received the local MP's backing for its ambitious development plans.

Mel Stride MP visited South Tawton Primary School to meet with its governors and head teacher Heather Poustie, and to hear proposals for improvements to the school, which would better enable it to deliver a curriculum fit for the 21st century.

Mr Stride was given a tour of the school by staff, and also met a number of pupils.

Mr Stride said: 'I was very pleased to be able to see the plans.

'The school appreciates budgets are tight within education funding, but it is great to see this has not dampened South Tawton's ambitions and I commend them for that.'

The school hopes to build on its existing site in South Zeal and has put forward plans to Devon County Council.

The council will announce if it is backing the scheme next year.

Head teacher Mrs Poustie said: 'I was pleased that Mel took the time to come to our school and to show an interest in our important plans.

'We recognise that these are difficult times for council funding but we continue to have high aspirations for our school.'

Mr Stride has now written to Devon's education chiefs to suggest they visit the school to better understand the project.

l Pictured left to right are Clare Foulkes, school governor, Peter Brotherton, chairman of governors, Mel Stride MP, headteacher Heather Poustie and Cllr Bill Cann, ward member on West Devon Borough Council.