Work began today on the first phase of a £2m community learning and sports development in Fochabers.

The new extension at Milne's High School will result in a range of integrated facilities which will benefit pupils and the public in Fochabers and surrounding communities.

Construction will be in two phases and is due to be completed by the middle of next year.

Moray Council convener and Fochabers councillor George McIntyre ceremonially got the first phase under way by cutting the first turf on the site of the development.

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The initial phase will see the creation of a 40m by 70m synthetic turf pitch suitable for seven-a-side football, hockey and tennis. It will also involve additional car parking and the construction of a new link road.

The second phase, which will begin in May, will comprise a new integrated community and school library, community and school learning areas and a fitness suite.

The school will also benefit from a number of new and enhanced classrooms and a social area for pupils.

Councillor McIntyre said: "This is the first phase of an exciting project designed to provide both the school and the local communities with enhanced opportunities for learning and sport.

"Both the school and the wider community will benefit from extended opening hours as well as a greater range of educational resources."

He said the project would also help the construction industry during the current economic downturn.

The contract for the first phase of the project has been awarded to Ennstone Thistle.

(GK/JM)