THE MP for Central Devon has welcomed the news that the government has announced an extra £2.35 billion to create more school places.

The £2.35 billion is in addition to the £5 billion already being spent in parliament, and means that between 2014 and 2017, Devon's schools will receive £12.4 million.

It is also the first time that councils have had three year allocations of funding to spend on school places, so councils can plan ahead and ensure every child has a school place.

Mel Stride MP said: 'It is great news for young people in Devon that this government has found billions of extra funding to ensure every child has a place at school so that they can fulfil their potential.

'This is part of our long-term plan to create an education system that gives young people who want to work hard the skills they need to get on in life and have a better future.'