AN historic Darlington school has been given initial permission to expand.

Councillors at Darlington Borough Council were asked to allow listed building consent for extensions to form a new classroom, stores, head-teacher's room and kitchen at Rise Carr Primary School, in Eldon Street.

As part of the plans, submitted by the council's education committee, a building which houses the existing kitchen and dining area will be demolished.

Internally, a number of screens will be removed to create a multi-purpose school hall.

Because the school building, which dates back to 1901, is a listed building, the planning application will have to be determined by John Prescott, Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Darlington council had raised no objections to a planning application, which was given formal approval at the planning applications committee held on Wednesday.

It will now go to Mr Prescott for final approval.