A £3.5M primary school officially opened yesterday could serve as a base for community facilities in the near future.

Pelton Community Primary School, near Chester-le-Street, opened as a nursery, infant and junior school, which, thanks to the provision of a Sure Start wing, will also cater for 20 babies and children aged up to three.

County councillor Jim Cordon, who opened the school, helped by North Durham MP Kevan Jones, said it could play an even greater role in the community it serves.

He said: "There is also the possibility of the existing local library and health centre being rebuilt adjacent to the school, as a result of discussions which are currently taking place between the county council and other agencies.

"If that sort of development goes ahead, it will reinforce the school's important role as a real focus for the area."

Mounting repair bills and surplus places made the former school buildings, which dated from 1901, a priority for replacement.

The county council secured £2.078m in Government funding for the scheme and added more than £1m itself.

Coun Cordon said: "The new replacement school has given the area a real showpiece of primary education that will cater for children from the very earliest age through to their progression to secondary education."

The school will accommodate up to 400 children, including the nursery, and has been built on the former school's playing fields.

It incorporates a computer room, security measures and a special needs teaching place.

The former junior school has now been demolished for playing fields.