WORK to build a new £560,000 school hall at a primary school outside Oxford will begin on Monday, November 26.

Marsh Baldon Primary School was badly affected by fire in February 2005 when 40 firefighters fought a huge blaze, and major renovation work was required.

Earlier this year, the county council was awarded a plaque at the 2007 Oxford Preservation Trust Awards for its restoration work.

A new phase will now begin when a school hall is built. The main uses of the hall will include assembly, physical education, performing arts and the serving of school meals.

The new hall will allow all of these activities to take place on the school site and avoid the need for staff and children to leave the school to make use of facilities in the village.

The space will also be used for school activities such as concerts, school plays and displays.

Michael Waine, Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet Mmember for schools, said: "All we have to do is think back to February 2005 to realise how far we've progressed.

"The fire in 2005 was thought to have been accidental - but that was no consolation to the local community.

"The county council is delighted to be able to provide this extra facility in addition to work that has already been done.

"It is the very least we could do for the school and local community in Marsh Baldon."