A Darlington school is expected to get its own £180,000 nursery block after years of waiting.

Parents, teachers and governors have long campaigned for the facility at St John's CofE Primary School, in Fenby Avenue, and funding from the local authority looks likely to make it possible.

Planning permission is being sought from Darlington Borough Council to build an extension on the school to create a foundation unit, incorporating the nursery with the reception class.

Headteacher Christine Large said: "The governors have been aware of the need for a nursery for a few years and it is something parents have brought up with us time and time again. At present, our children come from a few different nurseries - it will be great to offer one continuous educational process. We will be able to grow as a school."

The new foundation unit will be co-ordinated by reception class teacher Paula Lambert and the nursery will provide places for about 15 children.

School governor Susan Railton, who has a son at the school, welcomed the news.

"Parents will be absolutely delighted - we have been pushing for a while. It means our children do not have to be uprooted after nursery and will be familiar with the teaching," she said.

"Speaking as a governor, the nursery will help with our school roll. There are about 210 children at St John's at present and the nursery will really boost numbers."

The application, on behalf of the Durham Diocesan Board of Education, is expected to go before the council's planning committee in the coming weeks.

If permission is granted, work to create the unit and play area at the front of the school will begin next month and the nursery will be opened in September.

A council spokesperson said: "The development will be funded by central government capital funding allocated to local authorities for voluntary aided schools and is in line with the council's Best Value Plan."

Anyone interested in speaking to Miss Large about the nursery is asked to call (01325) 380725.