BUILDERS have finally moved into a Malvern school to build a £1.3m sports centre.

Planners granted permission for the project at Dyson Perrins CE High School in Yates Hay Road last April and it was hoped work would start last autumn.

But the scheme - a joint project between Malvern Hills District Council, Worcestershire County Council and the school governors - was delayed because organisers were waiting to find out if a £868,000 Lottery bid for the scheme had been successful.

The National Lottery has since awarded the funds and the partnership has been ploughing ahead.

Bosko Medakovic, senior project officer at Worcestershire County Council's directorate of children's services, confirmed the work had started yesterday.

Headteacher David Griffin, Worcestershire County Council chairman Derek Prodger and district council chairman Val Myatt to cut the first sod in a special ceremony.

The scheme will see the school's current sports hall and gymnasium refurbished and a fitness suite created for public use.

New changing rooms and car parking will also be created for the centre, which will be for both school and community use

The project is expected to take 11 months to complete and the school will remain open throughout

The district council has contributed £434,000 - as well as a further £50,000 annually to cover management costs - with the school and county council providing the site.

The school has just built a £1m learning resource centre.