A £6 million building project to expand a school for children with special educational needs in Kendal is making "significant progress".

Five months into the expansion of Sandgate School, the steel structure for the development has been completed, with facilities such as four new classrooms, a sports hall, and changing rooms taking shape.

The project is expected to be completed by Autumn.

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The school caters to children and young people aged between three and 19.

The project, funded by Westmorland and Furness Council, will allow Sandgate School's satellite campus at The Queen Katherine School to include key stage three pupils, which will facilitate all secondary age pupils to learn on the same site.

The structures, funded completely by the council, will also raise the overall capacity of the school.

Some of the major works completed include excavation of the site for foundations and drainage, installation of structural steelworks, and concrete works.

Despite subzero temperatures, contractors have stayed on task, focusing on structural blockwork, roof sheeting, and concrete slab reinforced with steel mesh.

In February, the construction team will embark on additional roof and cladding works, window and door installation, and essential sewer connection works on Shap Road.

The council’s cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills, Councillor Sue Sanderson said: "It is great to see the infra structure of this new building coming together.

"You can really picture what a huge benefit these additional facilities will bring to both school’s pupils and teaching staff, bring pupils with SEND alongside their peers.”

The council’s cabinet member for highways and assets, Councillor Peter Thornton said: "This investment will provide great facilities for children with Special Educational Needs in their immediate local area.

"We want to provide the right services and facilities where they’re needed.

"It’s good to see the progress that’s been made so far and I look forward to seeing the building work finished.”

Jon Hayes, headteacher at The Queen Katherine School, said: "Students at both Sandgate and The Queen Katherine School will reap the benefits of this new, modern extension."