A VILLAGE'S 20-year wait for a new school is over.

Cheshire County Council last week approved plans for the £750,000 scheme for Chelford and building starts next month.

"It's been a long wait but the new school is worth it - we are absolutely delighted," said headteacher Ruth Taylor.

Pupils and staff of Chelford C of E Primary will transfer to their new school in September next year.

The new building will replace the Victorian school which lacks basic amenities including inside toilets and a staff room. "It will be sad to leave this lovely old building behind, because it has served us well, but it is isolated outside Chelford," said Mrs Taylor.

"The new purpose-built school will be a superb focus for the village."

Parents will be able to walk their children to the school which will have three classrooms, an assembly hall, library space, a staff room and a playing field.

"We have a tiny hall now but it is a squash to fit all the 51 pupils in," said Mrs Taylor.

County councillors said the journey to the new school would be safer and the facilities would be better.

The fate of the Victorian building hasn't yet been decided.

But Mrs Taylor hopes it won't be demolished.

"I hope a good use can be found for it and it isn't left to become derelict," she said.

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