A £3m. building project will mean that the popular school will have more room to work and play – and for the first time, a kitchen providing hot meals.

Headteacher Eileen Bleasdale, who has been at the school for many years, said: "We absolutely can't wait. We've been struggling with our accommodation for years. The hall isn't much bigger than a wide corridor and we're crammed in there like sardines.

"Whenever we do school productions – and the performing arts is one of our strengths – we have to hir! e a local theatre, with all the hassle and expense that entails, because we can't fit in the hall. To have a new, bigger hall will be just fantastic.

"It will also mean a school kitchen, and hot dinners for the first time in many years! It's been packed lunches all the way."

The school is Lancashire's top performing primary in terms of academic results and has consistently been rated as 'outstanding' by Ofsted inspectors, with the latest inspection taking place in January this year.

"The accommodation is the only thing holding us back," said Eileen. "It simply isn't big enough. We know that there will be some disruption during the building work but it'll be worth it for bigger, better accommodation."

The county council is currently considering different options around the rebuilding of the school, which will form part of further detailed consultation with the co! mmunity before any decisions are made.

The cash for the devel opment comes from the Primary Capital Fund, the county council and targeted capital funding from the DCSF.

County Coun. Vali Patel, cabinet member for schools, said: "Laneshaw Bridge Primary is already an outstanding school and their new accommodation will build on their success. I am sure they will go from strength to strength and I send my good wishes to present and future pupils."