THE Secretary of State for Education visited the newly-built Darras Hall Primary School earlier today after announcing a £24million investment in North-East schools.

The Rt Hon. Damian Hinds met pupils, teachers and politicians and unveiled a plaque to declare the school officially open.

Mr Hinds was given a tour of the school and saw children working in their new classrooms.

The new primary school, built by Northumberland County Council, features state-of-the-art facilities including 15 classrooms, ‘learning streets’ on both the ground and first floors, two multi use studios, a hall that can be used for both school and community events, and a library and reading area.

Mr Hinds, said: “I’m in the North-East today to unveil a £24 million investment that will help further unlock the immense talent of young people in this region.

During the visit Coun. Wayne Daley, cabinet member for children’s services and deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, discussed some key issues with the government minister. They included improving educational outcomes in the region, rural schools, and how the authority is working with both academies and maintained schools on school improvement.

He said: "This major investment in education in the county has created great new learning and teaching environments for pupils and staff.

“We discussed our desire to have local solutions to meet local needs.

"As a council we want what is best for all young people in Northumberland - regardless of whether they attend an academy or a maintained school."