NEW facilities are nearing completion at a Sedgefield school.

The work will provide Sedgefield Community College with an information, communication and technology suite, a multi-gym extension and a new community entrance.

The school, which teaches children aged between 11 and 18, has specialist sports college status.

Above and Beyond Architecture has been involved in the project. Practice director Andrew Stoddart said: "It is extremely rewarding to see all the hard work invested by the whole project team result in the delivery of a quality addition to the school's facilities, which we hope will be enjoyed and fully utilised by both the students and local community."

He said: "Above and Beyond always places special emphasis on design quality with the aim of creating aesthetically pleasing designs, which contribute to the students' education."

The school was recently in the public eye when Prime Minister Tony Blair held a Press conference there on his return from the World Environmental Summit in South Africa.

It is best known for its tennis facilities, which Mr Blair sometimes uses when he is at home in the constituency.

Headteacher Lynn Ackland said: "As a school we place great emphasis on creating a safe and secure working environment for our staff and our students.

"Above and Beyond has designed and delivered a terrific set of facilities."