A TEN-YEAR campaign to replace a village's outdated, 126-year-old school building has ended in success after planning permission was granted for a new school in Grewel-thorpe, near Ripon.

The Community of Grewelthorpe School (Cogs) group was set up to raise funds for the project, and half of the £410,000 cost has been raised locally. Fundraising efforts will be further boosted when the present school building is sold off for housing.

Councillor Cliff Trotter, of the county planning committee, voted for the project.

He said: "I know how hard local people have worked to move this scheme forward. They deserve real praise for their efforts and they will have a marvellous asset for the community."

Councillors gave the scheme full planning permission despite an objection from Harrogate Borough Council over fears that the design of the building would conflict with other buildings in the village, as well as detracting from the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

A report to planners said the access was sub-standard in terms of visibility. But it pointed out the applicants proposed to deal with this by a range of works in liaison with the highway department.

The new building will occupy part of a playing field overlooking the old building.

It is hoped that the school will be completed by Easter.