WHILE schools are closed for the summer Darlington Borough Council's education department is looking ahead and preparing to spend Government money on a variety of projects.

A total of £3.2m is being invested, or has been agreed for investment, in the borough's schools in this financial year.

It brings the total amount spent on schools in the area since Darlington became a unitary authority to almost £8m.

Middleton St George Primary School is receiving £80,000 towards a classroom extension as part of the class-size reduction programme.

Over £93,000 has been announced to help to upgrade science laboratories, and £34,000 for secondary school learning support units, to provide separate short-term teaching and support programmes for difficult pupils.

The capital programme also includes almost £50,000 through the standards fund security grant, to improve security in schools, and a £40,000 environment fund for teachers to improve their immediate surroundings and facilities.

Councillor Eleanor Lister, cabinet member for education, said: "The money we are receiving is making a real difference to schools and children in Darlington.

"This Government pledged to invest in education, and I am delighted that schools in the town are benefiting from that promise."