Work is set to begin on a long-awaited £1.3 million sports centre in Malvern.

District council chairman Val Myatt will perform a special turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the project at Dyson Perrins CE High School on Monday (January 9).

The school's gymnasium and sports hall are being refurbished and incorporated into a new sports centre which will be shared with the community.

A new fitness suite, changing facilities and reception area will also be built.

The project is being staggered to ensure children have access to sports facilities and is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

Deputy headteacher Tim Hill is delighted the work is getting under way.

"The children have all seen the plans and they're quite excited about it," he said.

"Some of our older children will have left before it's completed but they'll still be able to benefit from the facilities if they remain in the area."