Children joined their headteacher and chairman of governors to dig the first turf of foundations for a new school.

The £1.75m Chilton Primary School, near Didcot, is being built in the grounds of the existing school that will eventually be demolished.

The single-storey building - with nine classrooms, a computer room, hall and library - is being funded from the Government's New Deal for Schools and by future developers of the proposed Chilton Field housing development nearby.

Chairman of governors Colin Hills said: "The new building was needed to replace the largely aluminium prefabricated school which was 50 years old last year."

For some years, staff and pupils have had to cope with a leaking roof as well as windows and doors which rattle in strong winds.

The new brick and tiled single-storey building will cater for up to 240 children as well as 26 half-time places in a new nursery class to replace the present Harwell Nursery School.

Contractors Kingerlee of Oxford expect to complete work by spring next year.

Mr Hills said: "Health and safety is a major consideration during the construction of the new school, and contractors will be using a separate entrance to the fenced off site."

Headteacher Christine Dunsdon said that while construction of the new school was taking place, the children would cope with a smaller playing field.

The existing school is expected to be demolished during the summer holidays next year.