A CHANDLER’S Ford school is taking first steps on a rebuilding project.

Local MP Steve Brine, and his daughter Emily, aged four, helped cut the first sod of turf at the start of construction of the new hall and four classrooms at Sherborne House school in Lakewood Road.

The £1.2 million scheme will provide an additional classroom after three were demolished.

Mr Brine also took the opportunity to congratulate Year 5 pupil Grace Wilson who was one of the winners of his Christmas card competition that attracted some 400 entries from across his constituency.

The school, founded in 1933 with three members of staff and one pupil, currently has 244 pupils, boys and girls aged between three and 11 years.

The headtacher is Heather Hopson-Hill and is owned by Global Education Management Systems (GEMS).