WORK on extra classrooms has begun thanks to more than £2.5m of Government cash.

Carmel RC Technology College has become too small to accommodate all its students, so the extra classrooms are needed to house them in comfort.

Health Secretary and Darlington MP Alan Milburn, with Carmel headteacher James O'Neill, launched the expansion project, which is likely to take about two years to complete.

Mr Milburn has supported the project since a bid was made by Darlington Borough Council, which worked with the school to decide what buildings and facilities were needed.

Mr Milburn said: "It is pleasing that the money is finally coming in and it will make a real difference to the school.

"Carmel really is a first-class school and the work here will improve the quality of what is already a fine college."

The bid was submitted to the Department for Education and Skills after input from the college's senior team, assisted by diocesan architects and advisers.

A technology block, school hall and new changing rooms are to be provided with the Government funding, which totals £2.67m.

The technology block will have various rooms catering for all the students' information technology needs.

The first job is to demolish old changing rooms, which date back to when the school was built in the middle of the last century. It will be replaced with a modern shower block.

Tennis courts and a grassed area nearby will be used for some of the additional buildings.

Mr O'Neill said: "Obviously this is an exciting project for the school and we are grateful to Mr Milburn for his help.

"The extension to the college is much-needed as Carmel grows in popularity. It has literally become a victim of its own success and now space is a valuable commodity."

The college is among a number of schools in the North-East to benefit from a share of £24m for new classrooms.

Having concentrated on primary schools until now, the Government is eager to continue building improvements at secondary schools.