DETAILED plans for two brand new school buildings in Hexham have been revealed.

Northumberland County Council announced on Friday that Galliford Try will design and build the new Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Middle School buildings on the current high school site.

The scheme will cost an estimated £36m and is expected to be ready by September 2021.

While the two schools, operated by Hadrian Learning Trust, will share the same site, the middle school pupils will be segregated from the high school pupils although the schools will share a reception site at the Grade-II listed Hydro building.

The plans will include two multi-use game areas and a two court sports hall for the middle school, and a six court sports hall, six tennis courts and two artificial grass sports areas for the high school pupils, which will also be open for the community to use.

Wayne Daley, deputy leader and cabinet member for children's services at Northumberland County Council, said: "I'm really excited about this fantastic opportunity to announce the builiding of two new schools in Hexham which will deliver and enhance education and sporting provisions for the community of Hexham.

"It is part of the investment in improving school structure in west Northumberland following a major investment in Haydon Bridge High School, and schools within the Haydon Bridge Partnership."

Public consultation events are planned at Queen Elizabeth High School on September 11 and 14.

More to follow.