THE first impressions of a new £6.5m school will be drawn up today - by primary school pupils.

Last month, it was announced that a Government grant would fund a replacement building for North Road Primary School, Darlington.

Today, pupils will start to produce their own models, drawings, and paintings for how they want their new school to look.

Their ideas will be shown to officers from Darlington Borough Council's children's service department - and some features could be included in the school's final design.

Headteacher David Ackroyd said: "I have talked about the new school plans in assemblies and the children were very interested.

"They wanted to produce their own models and artists' impressions and I'm sure they will enjoy the experience."

The £6.5m fund will be available from April 2008. A new school would be built on the existing playing field, reducing the need for temporary accommodation.

Once complete, the old building would be demolished and the land used as playing fields for the school and the community. A major consultation exercise is planned on the proposals.