DEMAND for pupil places at Ysgol Gymraeg Nant Talwg has led to a new purpose-built school being constructed adjacent to the existing facility.

Work on site started in November and a turf cutting event was held on Thursday, January 23 attended by the leader of the Vale council Neil Moore, councillor Chris Elmore, Jane Hutt AM, ISG construction director Jon James, deputy head Menna Roberts, and headteacher Dylan Jones.

To mark the occasion, pupils from the school sang a selection of Welsh songs and a presentation was made to the winners of a drawing competition held by ISG construction.

Cllr Elmore said: “I am delighted to see work underway on the new building for Ysgol Nant Talwg.

"Like the children, staff and governors I am really looking forward to the opening of the wonderful new building in September.”

The facility will achieve BREEAM Excellence, allowing the children to be educated in a modern energy efficient building with the added benefit of low cost heating and lighting.

The new school is being constructed over 50 weeks and will be completed in time for the start of the new school term in September 2014.