One of Abingdon's oldest schools is set for a £800,000 improvement programme which will also provide its first-ever playing field.

Built 120 years ago, Carswell Primary School, in Conduit Road, has 300 pupils.

The children play games and netball in the playground but there is no grass area.

The football team has to play all its matches away and the sports day is held in the grounds of neighbouring Abingdon School.

But when improvements are completed next year there will be an artificial turf area and an all-weather playing surface.

Former Abingdon College buildings and two temporary classrooms which have been in place for more than 50 years will be demolished and four new classrooms built.

There will be a computer room, improved staff quarters and a new entrance from Conduit Road as well as extra car parking space and landscaping.

Headteacher Sue Gore said: "This improvement programme is long overdue.

"We're all very excited about bringing our school into the 21st century.

"We hope the new development will also help us reduce our class sizes."