A TURF-CUTTING ceremony was held at Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg, in Barry, to mark the start of major expansion work.

Vale council cabinet member for education and regeneration, Cllr Lis Burnett, joined a host of guests at the school for the occasion.

As part of the council’s 21st Century Schools programme, the project will involve the building of a new design and technology block, a sports and IT block, a multi-use games area with six tarmac courts and an all-weather 3G pitch.

A new reception area and entrance block will also be constructed along with a plant room and a new coach drop-off and pick-up area.

These new facilities will mean the school’s capacity increases from ,361 pupils to 1,660.

The new pitch will be open until 10pm and available for community use.

Cllr Burnett said: “I’m delighted work has begun on this wonderful project that will see Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg emerge as an ultra-modern school with state-of the art facilities.

“This is the first scheme of a far-reaching programme of work that will continue to transform educational infrastructure right across the Vale.

“Pupils and communities in the Vale of Glamorgan will benefit enormously from this substantial investment in first class school buildings and facilities.”