AN Otterburn school has been granted permission to build an extra classroom in order to support its transition into a primary school.

The proposal was granted approval by councillors at the latest Tynedale Local Area Council meeting, and would see the construction of a single-storey extension to the eastern elevation of the existing school building to accommodate extra pupils.

The governing bodies of West Woodburn and Otterburn first schools have been in discussions about about forming a federation.

This will see the schools unite under one governing body and children in Years Five and Six at West Woodburn offered a place at Otterburn to provide educational continuity.

In July, the county council announced plans to convert first schools to primary schools in the Haydon Bridge Partnership.