Pictured: Head teacher John Demmerling (left) receives the keys from Kier Moss senior project manager, Jason Powell

Pupils at a Telford primary school have had an early Christmas present - a brand new school.

The new Woodlands Primary School has been built as part of the Abraham Darby development in Madeley.

And pupils and staff received the keys to their new building from developers Kier Moss just before the Christmas holidays ready to start the spring term in their new home on January 9.

Kier Moss senior project manager, Jason Powell, said: "It was great to see how excited everyone was about the new school, and they're all really looking forward to the new term.

"We've worked hard to come up with a solution that enables the primary school children to access their new building on schedule."

As well as the primary school, the new leisure facilities have also been completed and handed over to Telford & Wrekin Council. The public will be able to make use of the new leisure facilities including a swimming pool and a fitness suite also from January 9.

John Demmerling, head teacher of Woodlands Primary School, said: "Both the children and the staff are absolutely ecstatic about the move.

"The new buildings will make a huge difference to the learning experience we can provide. We really can't wait to get in there. It will be amazing to get into the building and start a new chapter for our school, and it's the perfect Christmas gift for us all."

Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for children, young people, and families at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "The council is pleased that both the primary school and the leisure facilities can open for business for the start of the New Year."

The Abraham Darby Learning Community is the beginning of a £200 million programme to improve education, leisure and community facilities across the borough.