PUPILS at a Cinderford primary school will no longer have to cross the road to have their lunch once a new building is completed.

Work has started on a new £6 million building at St White's Primary School, in St White's Road, and pupils were among those on hand to celebrate the start of the construction.

The new building is due to be completed by January 2016 and will mean all pupils will be on the same site and will have access to all the equipment and facilities.

The school will have 11 classrooms, a playing field, an outdoor wildlife area and a slide that will link the upper level to an outdoor 'amphitheatre' which will provide additional teaching space.

County council vice-chairman, Cllr Graham Morgan (Lab, Cinderford) said: "Having two buildings split across the road is just not working at the moment.

"I think that this new and innovative building is great for Cinderford and will bring a breath of fresh air to pupils, teachers and the wider community."

The council's cabinet member for children and young people, Cllr Paul McLain (Con, Battledown) added: "It's really important that children across the county get the best start to school life.

"This investment will mean that pupils can benefit from the latest facilities and ensure that they reach their potential.

"This is great news for pupils and parents and we're really looking forward to seeing the building up-and-running."

The school is being built by Carter Construction which is contributing £575,000 as part of its permission to build a housing estate nearby.