THE latest phase of redevelopment work at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College got under way yesterday.

Architects Browne Smith Baker are working with construction firm Clugstons to provide new facilities at the college.

A four-storey building will house the art and design department, with areas for graphics, textiles, fine art and 3D design.

The lower floors will provide about 30 classrooms, including five science laboratories, music and drama areas, information technology suites and leisure and sports study facilities.

A glazed atrium will link the building to the west wing of the college, which will be fully refurbished.

The £4m development is the biggest in the college's history and represents one of three large education projects.

Darlington College of Technology is relocating to Haughton Road in a £27m move and the country's first education village is being built in the same area.

College principal, David Heaton, said the latest work would be "transformational".