Building work has commenced on a new £7 million primary school in Cookstown.

The investment from the Fresh Start Programme will provide a modern, seven class Phoenix Integrated Primary School and nursery unit accommodating over 200 pupils.

Department of Education Permanent Secretary, Dr Mark Browne said: "Today's event marks the start of a new era for Phoenix Integrated Primary School as work officially begins on a new school build.

"Having opened nearly 20 years ago with only 12 children, the school has now grown to over 200 pupils. This is testament to the foresight and commitment of all those involved with the school over the years who were determined to educate children from all our communities together."

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The scheme was first announced as a project to receive funding from the Fresh Start Programme supported by the UK Government in March 2016.

Dr Browne concluded: "Schools are places where children grow, thrive, learn and develop.

"This new build will ensure that the pupils of Phoenix Integrated Primary School have a modern, fit-for purpose school that provides a stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environment designed to support effective delivery of the curriculum.

"I want to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and commitment and wish pupils, staff, Governors and parents every success in the future as their new school becomes a reality."

Construction is due to be completed in summer 2024.