A state-of-the-art £5.2 million building is being built to replace and expand infant and junior schools by September.

Construction firm Morgan Sindall are on site in Notley Road, Braintree, to rebuild the John Ray Infant School, which was completely destroyed by a fire in August 2013. Repair work was being carried out at the time.

Plans for the new school, which currently has 295 pupils, include 12 classrooms, a kitchen, a reception area and a new assembly hall to accommodate up to 360 children.

This new facility will also include a computer room and a library.

Neighbouring John Ray Junior School, which has a current capacity of 370 pupils, will also have a four-classroom extension and extended hall. It will take on about 120 extra pupils.

The new buildings are expected to be ready by the beginning of the next school year.

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.