MILLIONS of pounds are to be spent improving schools in North Yorkshire to provide the county's children with the best possible facilities.

Temporary classrooms will be replaced, schools made more accessible for disabled pupils and out-dated facilities in Victorian buildings brought into the 21st Century.

Over the next three years, 60 schemes will focus on improving facilities, such as science labs, and relieving cramped conditions in old primary schools, at a cost of nearly £23m.

The education service's capital planning manager, Richard Allen, said: "In previous years, we have concentrated on providing new buildings to cope with increased pupil numbers. Now that rolls have levelled off, we are going to invest in existing facilities to bring them up to date."

Schemes will include providing schools with new halls, classrooms, science labs and library facilities.

There are plans to provide food technology rooms, hard play areas, and to refurbish both indoor and outdoor facilities.

The education service has also pledged to support the creation of children's centres across the county.

Based at schools, they also involve SureStart and health and social care providers who work to provide integrated childcare and early education services on one site.

Up to £6m will be spent replacing temporary classrooms with permanent buildings.

Mr Allen said: "We have about 400 temporary buildings, with some dating back to before 1974.

"They take a lot of maintenance and are not as well insulated as modern buildings with associated problems of temperature extremes.

"Also to reach them, children have to go outside in all weathers."

To meet the needs of pupils with disabilities the education service also plans to invest almost £3m in a range of facilities including ramps, lifts, hygiene rooms and accessible toilets.