A SCHOOL has reached the next phase of a massive project to create a new state-of-the-art library.

Hamford Primary Academy started a major fundraising drive to replace its current makeshift facility with a new building.

It will cost about £75,000 in total and the school has already topped the £10,000 mark, sparking the start of phase one of the ambitious project.

Chartered surveyors have visited the school to draw up designs and bosses are now set to apply for planning permission.

Kathryn Aiken from Hamford said: “It is very exciting to reach this stage and it is just the beginning of our journey.

“Local businesses and families are getting involved and the total is going up all the time.”

Hamford needs to raise another £20,000 to start phase two – laying the foundations once planning permission is granted.