Work to rebuild a fire-gutted Braintree school will begin in November.

In January, Essex County Council (ECC) cabinet members agreed to begin the procurement process for a rebuild and expansion of John Ray Infant School and an expansion of the neighbouring junior school to cope with a shortage of pupil places in the area.

The project is expected to cost about £7.1million, although the council expects to recover the cost of replacing the infant school from its insurer.

Last week, an ECC spokesman confirmed the rebuild is now scheduled to start in November.

It is expected to be finished by September 2015.