Work on a new primary school in Welshpool is progressing following a pause due to the coronavirus pandemic, Powys County Council has said.

The work on the new 360-pupil Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School was stalled temporarily after restrictions were in place following the coronavirus outbreak.

However, main contractor PaveAways has gradually re-started on site and is following Welsh Government social distancing rules.

Since PaveAways was awarded the contract in January, it has completed the roof and the building is now watertight.

The staircases for the new school are in place while the school kitchen walls are finished with hygienic wall finishes. The internal ventilation and data cabling work is almost complete and the first coat of paint has been put on in some areas of the school.

Cllr Phyl Davies, cabinet member for education and property, said: "I'm delighted with the progress that PaveAways has made at the new Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School.

"This has been a difficult and testing time. We've had to revise our timetable to take into account the pause in work due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"There are still uncertainties but I'm cautiously optimistic that pupils and teaching staff will be able to move into their new school early next year.

"This new school is an important part of our strategy to transform education in Powys. When complete, it will provide a learning environment that will allow learners and teaching staff to thrive and reach their potential."

The school was originally due to open to staff and pupils in September 2020.

Steven Owen, managing director of PaveAways, said: "We have made substantial progress despite the temporary suspension of work.

"Our working policies and programmes have been adapted to ensure that work can continue to finish this important project whilst safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our team.

"It is really taking shape now and we will continue to work hard to complete the build as soon as possible."