PLANS for a £3m school and community centre project in Darlington have been revealed.

Cockerton CE Primary School would be demolished and a new building put in its place, under proposals submitted to the borough council by church leaders this week.

Funding for a redevelopment scheme fell through 18 months ago, but the school has now secured money from the Department for Education and Skills and the church to forge ahead with the latest project.

The new-look school will include classrooms with interactive whiteboards and a performing arts studio.

The playing fields will be situated where the school presently stands and will include a five-a-side football pitch, themed gardens and a multi-use games area.

A wooden bridge will link the school to St Mary's Church and will be suitable for disabled users.

Pupils have also had the opportunity to leave their own mark on the new development by helping to design areas of the school.

Headteacher Chris Metcalfe said: "The school we are in now is 80 years old, the roof leaks and the rooms are too small.

"The new school will be state-of-the-art, designed around the way we teach now, and not 80 years ago."

He added: "Children and parents have been involved, but the children in particular have worked closely with architects."

St Mary's Community Centre will also be renovated and serve as a venue for child care.

It is hoped the development will be completed by next summer if planning permission is secured.